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THE> 

MOOR OF GRANADA 


TRANSLATED FROM THE 
FRENCH 



PHILADELPHIA : 

H. L. KILNER & CO., 

Publishers. 




Copyright, 1891,, 

By H. L. KILNER & CO. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

CHAPTER I. 

The Physician of Badajoz, . . . . .5 

CHAPTER 11. 

Amara, 18 

CHAPTER III. 

The Albaicin, 42 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Spy, 69 

CHAPTER V. 

At the Alhambra, 85 

CHAPTER VI. 

Count d’Aguilar, 100 

CHAPTER VII. 

The Tower of Comara, 124 


IV 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

PAGE 

Light, . . . . . 

CHAPTER IX. 


The Appointment, 

CHAPTER X. 

. 154 

An Insurrection, 

CHAPTER XL 

. 166 

The Jew’s Occupation, 

CHAPTER XH. 

• 179 

A Deliverer, 

CHAPTER XIII. 

• 199 

The Negro Courier 

CHAPTER XIV. 

. 212 

XiMENi:s, 

CHAPTER XV. 

. 225 

In the Alpuxarras, 

CHAPTER XVI. 

• 235 

Alhama, 

CHAPTER XVH. 

. 248 


The Red Mountain, 


. 261 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


I. 

THE PHYSICIAN OF BADAJOZ. 

On 15th May, 1499, Mohammed-Hassan, 
the celebrated doctor of Badajoz, ap- 
proached the city of Granada, once the 
stronghold of the Moslem empire. He gazed 
with deep emotion upon the scene which 
presented itself to him. The setting sun 
illumined with its rich golden and purple 
rays the snow-capped summits of the Sierras, 
which, although in reality, several leagues 
distant, appeared to overhang the city. 

Between the city and the mountains, 
through green fields enameled with flowers, 
wound the Xenil, the beautiful river so 
famed in Moorish song. Groves of pome- 
granate, orange, and mulberry trees adorned 
5 


6 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


its banks and filled the air with their per- 
fume. Nearer the walls flowed the Daro, 
adding to the surpassing loveliness of the 
scene. Granada was situated upon the decliv- 
ity of two hills., Its enclosure, four leagues 
in circumference, was formed by walls con- 
structed with regularity, intersected by one 
thousand and thirty fortified towers which 
served for ornament as well as defence. 

Hassan, when in sight of the capital city 
of the Moorish kings, prostrated himself 
upon the ground, formerly the heritage of 
his ancestors. But upon beholding the 
cross of Christ triumphantly surmounting 
the towers of the city and the great mosque, 
which had been converted into a church, his 
tears flowed freely and his chest heaved. 

“O shame! O misery!” he murmured, 
turning toward his guide, who contemplated 
him with an air of indifference — “Aseri- 
Kolo, I see for the first time, the cursed 
emblem of the Christians elevated above 
our monuments. How have you been able 
to support the deep humiliation?” 

“ God willed it ! ” replied Aseri-Kolo, with 
the resignation of the fatalist. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. / 

“ Granada ! Granada ! ” resumed Hassan, 
“ where is thy former glory ? What has 
become of thy golden minarets, thy noble 
edifices, thy glorious cavalcades, thy four 
hundred thousand inhabitants? How art 
thou degraded ! The crescent no longer 
crowns thy battlements and the sons of the 
prophet have ceased to rule within thy 
walls ! ” 

“ Have you ever visited the city, Sidi ? ” 
asked the guide, with some curiosity. 

“ Only twice in the happy days of my 
childhood, but I remember it well. To-day, 
after an absence of more than fifty years, I 
recall the magnificence I witnessed in the 
royal city of my fathers. It was then in its 
meridian glory. Sad events have since tran- 
spired.” 

“And yet,” observed Kolo, “the hand of 
the conqueror has not destroyed all its mon- 
uments.” 

“ Do you know which still remain stand- 
ing? ” 

“Yes, and if you desire it, I can point 
them out to you.” 

“ You would do me a great favor : what- 


8 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


ever relates to the illustrious metropolis 
embellished by the kings who held the 
sceptre during three hundred years, interests 
me deeply.” 

Aseri alighted from his horse and 
approached Hassan who had seated himself 
on the summit of a hill. The guide thus 
commenced : 

‘‘ From this spot, you take in, at a glance, 
the four principal quarters of the city. 
That nearest us is called Granada ; next 
beyond, you see Antequerrula, where the 
Moors, our ancestors, first established them- 
selves when they came from Antequerra ; 
on the left, is the Albaicin ; and on the 
right, the Alhambra, constructed by Mo- 
hammed Alainar for a royal residence as 
well as a fortress. There was no more 
beautiful residence in Europe, none better 
fortified. Its founder expended upon it 
fabulous treasures ; his contemporaries at- 
tributed to him the power of transforming 
the baser metals into gold.” 

“Who resides in this palace at present?” 
enquired the old man. 

“The governor appointed by the king 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


9 


of Castile and Arragon,” replied Aseri. 
“ Look beyond, Sidi, and contemplate the 
Grand Mosque, now an infidel temple. 
Near it are the palaces of Mohammed- 
el-Zagal, the uncle of our last prince, and 
those of the Abencerrages and the Oberman 
lis, all, either abandoned or occupied by our 
conquerors.” 

“ Enough ! enough ! ” exclaimed Hassan ; 
“ tell me no more ; these things are too 
painful.” 

The guide was silent. 

After a few moments, Hassan added : 
“ Has Zegri preserved in Granada the resi- 
dence of his fathers? ” 

“His palace and nearly all his possessions 
have been left him.” 

“ On what conditions, do you know?” 

“ I am entirely ignorant of them.” 

“ Perhaps he has ignominiously submitted 
to the yoke of the conqueror.” 

“Sidi, you wrong Zegri by your suspi- 
cion ; he is not a degenerate descendant of 
illustrious sires.” 

“ How then, did he succeed in obtaining 
favors refused to so many others?” 


10 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“ After having bravely defended the city, 
he took advantage of the terms of the 
treaty concluded upon the surrender of 
Granada. By this the liberty of remaining 
in their country was conceded to the con- 
quered upon condition of a quiet obedience 
to the laws.” 

“ Nevertheless,” said Hassan, “ all the 
principal Mussulmans have been expelled.” 

“True, but justice obliges us to acknowl- 
edge that the greater part violated their 
oaths, either by inciting revolts or trans- 
gressing the laws. Zegri, from some 
unaccountable motive, has kept himself 
aloof from all intrigues and has taken no 
part in public affairs.” 

“ I thank you for the information you 
have given me,” said the Moorish physician 
rising. “ Kolo, we will continue our jour- 
ney and enter the city.” 

The two travellers remounted their 
horses, and descended the hill undisturbed 
until they reached the gates of Granada, 
when they were stopped by the sentinels on 
guard. An officer advanced to meet them, 
and said to Hassan : 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


I 


“ Who are you ? ” 

My name is Mohainmed-Hassan,” re- 
plied the Moor. 

“ Whence do you come? " 

** From Estramadura.” 

Have you a passport?” 

“ Yes, here is the one furnished me by 
the Alcalde of Badajoz.” 

The officer glanced over the contents of 
the parchment of the stranger presented to 
him, and said : 

You are a physician, Sefior?” 

“That is my profession.” 

“ It is an honorable one and deserves re- 
spect. You and your guide, who is known 
to me, may enter.” 

The Moor expressed his thanks by placing 
his hand upon his heart, and passed through 
the gate with Aseri. The two Mussulmans 
found themselves in the quarter of Ante- 
querrula, the most ancient of all and 
composed of small houses of peculiar archi- 
tecture. The architectural taste and knowl- 
edge of the Saracen conquerors have been 
frequently the subject of warm discussion, 
some extolling the Moors, and others con- 


12 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


demning them for their profound ignorance. 
However this may be decided, it is certain, 
that with the exception of a few buildings, 
the Arabians left no remarkable monu- 
ments ; they even destroyed many that 
Were beautiful. 

Although the Alhambra deserves its 
reputation, Granada falls far below the de- 
scriptions given of it by Moorish writers 
who drew largely upon their imagination. 
It is difficult to imagine a city more badly 
built. Its extremely narrow streets owed 
any cleanliness they might have to their 
great declivity ; its high houses were entirely 
constructed of wood and without regard to 
beauty. 

It is true the inhabitants, who spent large 
portions of their time on the galleries of the 
houses, were compensated for such incon- 
veniences by the incomparable loveliness 
of the scenery, the perpetual serenity 
of the skies and the mildness of the 
climate. 

The Mosques of Granada, irregular and 
destitute of grace, were likewise proofs of a 
complete ignorance of art. The longest. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


13 


previous to its conversion into a church by 
Ferdinand and Isabella, shocked the eye by 
its faulty proportions. 

Mohammed-Hassan passed through the 
streets without noticing these details. Pre- 
occupied by serious thoughts, he cast down 
his eyes and remained silent. He ap- 
proached the Moslem cemetery, a vast field 
crossed by numerous walks, and interspersed 
with thickets of odoriferous trees. 

The dead of the populous city reposed 
amid this verdure. Flocks of doves and 
other birds dwelt in the branches of the 
groves consecrated to the sleep of death. 
A change, however, was slowly being made, 
for the land was being enclosed in order to 
transform it into a Christian place of burial ; 
already, at intervals, might be seen crosses 
marking newly dug graves. 

Aseri-Kolo roused his companion from 
his revery in order to call his attention to 
this part of the city. Hassan shuddered at 
the sight of this field of death. 

“ Is this," he said, “ the cemetery of Ante- 
querrula.** " 

“ Yes." 


14 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“ In this, then,” replied the old man, my 
ancestors repose.” 

He was about to enter, but on perceiving 
the crosses, he turned away and quickened 
his steps. 

“ Are you descended, Sidi, from one of 
the old families of this quarter.?” enquired 
the guide. 

“ My ancestors lived here.” 

“ What ! are you of the family of the Has- 
san-el-Abulmedar who were so renowned for 
their skill in healing all diseases, and whose 
fame has reached even to the present 
time ? ” 

** I belong to that illustrious race, and 
I have piously preserved and studied the 
secrets of the art which they bequeathed 
to me.” 

You have received, Sidi, a noble inheri- 
tance.” 

Medical science has always been greatly 
honored among our people. The most 
valiant warriors have not disdained to add 
the knowledge of the art of healing to that 
of arms.” 

“ What you say is very true.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 5 

“ Why did your family leave Granada, 
where they were held in the highest estima- 
tion ? ” 

“ The city itself was the cause. One of 
your princes persecuted my ancestors and 
banished them from the kingdom. They 
took refuge in Badajoz, where they were re- 
ceived with generous hospitality. They 
settled in this noble city which has since 
been conquered by the Christian arms.” 

I think that I have heard of the circum- 
stance to which you refer.” 

“ A king of Granada,” continued Hassan, 
“ rid himself by poison of a brother who had 
offended him, and he imputed the crime to 
my ancestor, who attended the prince during 
his short illness. Himself and his eldest 
son were put to death, and his other chil- 
dren were banished.” 

This narrative interested Kolo who was 
on the point of still further interrogating 
the Moorish physician ; but the latter inter- 
rupted him by pointing to a Mussulman of 
about forty years of age who was passing. 
This person, dressed in white cloth, with 
sandals fastened by leathern straps, and wear- 


l6 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

ing a light turban on his head, walked 
slowly with a serious and recollected air ; 
he muttered some unintelligible words, 
whilst he held in his hand an amber chap- 
let of ninety-nine beads collected near 
Mecca. 

“ Who is that man ?” asked Hassan. 

“Blessed be Allah!” replied Aseri ; “it 
is Zulphi, the holy dervish of Granada. 
We are fortunate, Sidi, in having met him 
immediately upon our arrival, for the pro- 
tection of Allah is upon him.” 

“ However,” said the Moor, “there is a 
man who is of a different opinion,” and he 
pointed to another Mussulman who passed 
Zulphi with a disdainful air. 

“That one is Ben*Zohra, the most 
learned of our Morabites. Every one 
knows that he is no friend to Zulphi ; but 
the spirit of evil is powerful and the pride of 
learning is indomitable.” 

Hassan smiled, and added : 

“ The holy dervish does not appear to be 
proof against the attacks of pride. Look, 
Kolo, he returns the disdainful glance of 
the white headed old man by one of hate. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 7 

and he has dropped his chaplet and ceased 
his prayers.” 

In reality, Zulphi, convulsed by rage, ad- 
vanced towards Ben-Zohra, but both men 
perceiving that they were not alone but 
were remarked by strangers, turned away 
and walked off in opposite directions. 

Mohammed-Hassan and Aseri-Kolo soon 
entered a more elegant and newer street 
than those they had traversed. The guide 
stopped his horse and said ; 

“ I promised, Sidi, to conduct you to the 
quarter called Granada ; here it is.” 

“ I am pleased to have reached it, and I 
thank you for your kindness.” 

“ I am glad to have given you satisfac- 
tion.” 

“ Before leaving me, point out to me the 
palace of Zegri.” 

“ You can see it from this spot ; it stands 
on the square to which this street leads.” 

“ That suffices.” 

The physician generously recompensed 
Aseri-Kolo and dismissed him. 


2 


11 . 

AMARA. 

The sun was sinking below the horizon as 
Mohammed-Hassan entered the square upon 
which was situated the palace of Zegri. 
Although this vast edifice had none of 
the grace or lightness which is usually asso- 
ciated with the idea of Moorish edifices, yet 
it was not destitute of grandeur, and the 
eye rested with pleasure upon its pavilions, 
gardens, fountains, and groves. 

As the physician of Badajoz contemplated 
with admiration this princely abode, a nu- 
merous cortege was standing before the grand 
entrance. First, appeared about twenty 
African slaves, each holding the bridle of a 
magnificent courser covered with long trap- 
pings of gold and silver cloth. Ranged be- 
hind these horses, were others of less value, 
iS 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 9 

and mules which were fitted for long jour- 
neys over the mountains. Grooms, in whose 
veins mingled Spanish and Moorish blood, 
were busy loading the animals with provi- 
sions of every kind. Beyond these there was 
a still more brilliant group. Those who 
composed it wore rich turbans ; albornoz of 
fine silk, trimmed with gold fringe, fell grace- 
fully over their shoulders ; vests and panta- 
loons of bright scarlet embroidered in gold 
completed their magnificent attire ; from 
their girdles hung cimeters, the hilts of which 
were inlaid with diamonds of great value. 

Hassan, having attentively considered 
this group, appeared to recognize the most 
important personage, the one who was evi- 
dently the object of respect to all who sur- 
rounded him. 

“ Unless I am greatly mistaken,” thought 
the physician, “ there is Zegri.” 

As he said these words, he approached 
the cavaliers whom we have just described. 
Mohammed-Hassan had seen Zegri only 
once in his life, and when he was quite young. 
The features of the illustrious Moor had 
undoubtedly changed, but every Spanish 


20 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


Mussulman was familiar with the appearance 
as well as the noble deeds of Zegri, and no 
one of them would have failed to recognize 
him. 

According to contemporary writers, he 
was tall, well-proportioned, intellectual, with 
a manly and attractive countenance, elegant 
and affable manners. All knew that this re- 
nowned noble was a lineal descendant of 
Aben-Hamar, King of Granada, and that he 
was the last of the line. He was the ac- 
knowledged chief of those who still remained 
in Granada claiming alliance with that royal 
race. 

His influence among the Moors equaled 
his illustrious birth. He possessed brilliant 
qualities, but he was particularly noted for 
his valor, of which he had given striking 
proofs on many occasions. 

The physician of Badajoz was not attired in 
a manner to attract attention. His clothing 
was of the simplest kind ; suspended at his 
girdle was a bag containing medicinal herbs, 
and neither his appearance nor costume was 
such as to secure for him any consideration. 
He had, therefore, some difficulty in making 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


21 


his way through the crowd which obstructed 
the entrance to the palace. 

But Zegri, always accessible to Mussul- 
mans, no sooner perceived a stranger than, 
having ordered the path to be cleared, he 
advanced to meet him. 

Hardly had he recognized him than his 
features became radiant with joy, and he ex- 
claimed: 

“ Mohammed-Hassan, you are welcome ! ” 

At the same time he opened his arms and 
embraced the traveller with every mark of 
affection. 

“ What happiness you give me ! ” he 
added ; may Allah and his prophets reward 

t >> 

you ! 

“ Could I refuse your request, illustrious 
prince?” replied the physician. 

Whilst this conversation was going on the 
Moors who surrounded the speakers re- 
garded Hassan with mingled astonishment 
and respect. 

“ What ! ” they exclaimed, whilst contem- 
plating the simple exterior of the visitor, 
“ ean that be the renowned physician of 
Badajoz, the man inspired by Allah, who 


22 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


heals the most obstinate diseases, and whose 
reputation fills the whole world ? Who 
could imagine that so lofty an intellect 
could be united to so great modesty ! ” 

“ How fortunate Zegri is,” resumed 
others, “ to have with him this prince of 
medicine ! ” 

The descendant of the kings of Granada 
continued to converse with Hassan. 

“You delayed coming so long, my friend, 
that I had almost lost the hope of seeing 
you.” 

“ Badajoz is at a long distance from 
Granada,” the physician answered. “ Ninety 
leagues across mountains is not a journey 
that can be accomplished in a day. Only 
seven days have passed since I received 
your message. Notwithstanding my numer- 
ous occupations, my infirmities and my age, 
I did not hesitate to set off immediately.” 

“You have acted nobly and generously, 
and all my wealth would not suffice to re- 
quite you for such sacrifices. You will par- 
don my intense anxiety.” 

“You seem oppressed by sorrow, Zegri, 
and yet your health appears unimpaired ; so 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


23 


does that of the vigorous young man at 
your side, whom I supppse to be your son. 
Why did you send for me ? ” 

“ Ah ! would to Allah that it were myself 
who required your services ! ” 

“ What can be the matter ?'* 

“ Were you not informed by the servant 
whom I despatched for you ? ” 

“ He gave me no particulars whatever.” 

‘‘ Strange ! he was aware of all.” 

“ He travelled with such speed, that upon 
his arrival he was exhausted by fatigue ; he 
could only tell me that your need of me was 
most urgent. I departed immediately, leav- 
ing him very ill, and I did not delay to 
make any inquiries.” 

‘‘ I was on the point of sending my son 
Merwan for you. This will account to you for 
the preparations you see now being made.” 

“ Who is to be my patient: your eldest 
son or your daughter? ” 

My son Hamar and my daughter Boab- 
dilla are both in the enjoyment of good 
health. I will conduct you to one who is 
dearer to me than all others. Come, and 
lose no more time.” 


24 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


Hassan in vain endeavored to divine of 
whom Zegri was speaking. He knew that 
the wife of the Moorish prince had been 
dead several years, that he was inconsolable 
for her loss and that he had persisted in 
refusing to marry again. Zegri was now 
sixty years of age. 

The physician followed in silence : the 
prince passed through galleries and magnifi- 
cent halls in conducting him to the left wing 
of the palace. On reaching this he showed 
him into an apartment more sumptuous 
than any that he had yet seen. The room 
into which the old man entered covered the 
entire width of the main body of the build- 
ing, and its location was incomparable. On 
three sides were windows whence could be 
seen the summit of the sierra and the city of 
Granada, from which the palace was sepa- 
rated by extensive gardens traversed by a 
branch of the Daro, whose waters glittered 
in vast reservoirs and spouted from numer- 
ous fountains. On the other side appeared 
flowery meadows and the green banks of the 
Xenil. A dim twilight obscured the cham- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 2 $ 

ber, the air of which was loaded with per- 
fumes. 

It was furnished with unparalleled luxury; 
pillars of white marble supported the ceil- 
ings and formed the casings of the windows 
and doors ; the walls were of polished stone 
and tastefully adorned ; the richest carpeting 
covered the floor ; wherever the eye turned, 
it rested on gold, silver or some precious 
wood. At the end of the rooms, under a 
canopy supported by porphyry columns, was 
placed a bed upon which lay a young girl not 
twenty years of age, emaciated by disease 
and burning with fever. Around her were 
thirty African women ; some chanted low and 
mournful melodies, accompanying the voice 
with instruments of music ; others burned 
perfumes in golden vessels ; four women 
waved great fans in cadence with the music. 
As may be imagined the atmosphere was 
heavy and overpowering, and a sense of 
oppression was. felt immediately upon enter- 
ing the apartment. The patient instead of 
experiencing relief appeared fatigued with 
the attentions lavished upon her. Hassan 
took all this in at a glance. Zegri led him to 


26 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


the bed and made a sign to the musicians 
to cease. The Moor perceived near the 
young girl two physicians, who were regard- 
ing her attentively and anxiously. At the 
head of the bed was a young girl of about 
twenty years of age and of wonderful beauty; 
she resembled Zegri both in features and in 
her noble and dignified mien. 

It was Boabdilla, the daughter of the 
Moorish prince ; she was bestowing every 
care which affection could suggest upon her 
who seemed the object of the common solic- 
itude. 

Zegri bent tenderly over the sick girl and 
said : 

“ Amara, I bring with me Hassan, the 
famous physician of Badajoz ; he will cure 
you.” 

At the mention of the name of the cele- 
brated Moor, Boabdilla testified great joy; 
the two physicians bowed in the most 
respectful manner, although they illy con- 
cealed their jealousy ; all present gave evi- 
dence of intense delight. The patient 
languidly opened her eyes, looked at the 
stranger and endeavored to raise her head ; 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 2/ 

but her strength was unequal to the exertion 
and she fell back upon her pillows. 

‘^Alas!” exclaimed Zegri, “she is dy- 
ing.” 

Then addressing Hassan, he said : 

“ Use all the resources of your art; but 
perhaps I have called you too late, and your 
incomparable skill may not avail to save 
her life.” 

The physician made no reply. He took 
Amara’s hand and felt her pulse, which 
he found weak and irregular. Reflecting a 
moment, he drew from his bag a small phial, 
opened it, and poured upon the lips of the 
young girl six drops of a liquid which 
seemed to revive her. For a long time and 
in silence, he examined her case ; the spec- 
tators, without speaking, followed every 
movement of the famous doctor. 

At last Hassan turned towards Zegri with 
a grave and solemn manner, as though he 
were accomplishing a sacred rite, and said : 

“ Command the women who were singing 
to leave the room.” 

Zegri immediately followed his direc- 
tions. 


28 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“ Send away also those who are burning 
perfumes, and using the fans ; their services 
are not needed.” 

Again the master of the house obeyed 
the physician. 

Then Hassan cast a meaning look on the 
two physicians of Granada. Zegri compre- 
hended the wish of the old man, and ap- 
proaching the doctors he whispered a word 
to them, and they also left, muttering their 
dissatisfaction. 

In the mean time Boabdilla fixed her 
beautiful eyes in supplication upon her 
father ; the noble girl feared that she too 
would be dismissed. Zegri understood her 
look of anxiety and asked the physician : 

“ May my daughter remain ? ” 

“ Certainly ; her presence will do no 
harm. Besides, is she not Amara’s nurse?” 

“ She has not left her bedside for an in- 
stant since the disease first developed it- 
self.” 

“ It is to her care and yours that this 
young girl owes her life.” 

“ Is she in great danger ? ” 

“ Yes ; I will not deceive you, and — ” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


29 


Hassan stopped abruptly ; his eye had 
just rested on a man covered by a long 
white mantle who was crouched in the cor- 
ner and was muttering prayers. The dim 
light prevented him from distinguishing the 
features. 

Who is that ? ” asked the doctor in a low 
voice. 

He is a dervish named Zulphi, an inmate 
of my house, who is here the greater part of 
the day.” 

What is he doing now ? ” 

“ He is imploring Allah to cure my daugh- 
ter.” 

“ I did not perceive him when I en. 
tered.” 

He had left the room, and I suppose he 
returned without attracting attention.” 

And as Hassan regarded the dervish with 
an expression of ill-humor, Zegri hastened 
to add : 

This holy Mussulman is devoted to my 
family ; I should be sorry to pain him.” 

The old man understood that the Moor- 
ish prince was under the influence of Zulphi, 
and that he reposed as much confidence in 


30 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


the prayers of this devotee as in the skill of 
the physician. Although he was not of the 
same opinion, he replied that the dervish 
might remain and continue his prayers, pro- 
vided that he did so without noise. 

Drawing Zegri aside, Hassan resumed: 

“ I think I know the nature of Amara’s 
malady.” 

“ Are you here in time to combat it suc- 
cessfully ? ” 

“ I hope so.” 

“ May Allah help you ! ” 

“ Before I apply remedies, give me the 
particulars of the commencement of her mal- 
ady.” 

“ A few months ago,” said Zegri, “ Amara 
was in the full vigor of health. One even- 
ing she was attacked by an epidemic fever 
which is common in this climate in early 
spring. We considered her indisposition 
very slight ; but as she grew worse I called 
in the best physicians of Granada ; their 
remedies were unavailing. Her condition 
became daily more alarming and we soon 
despaired of her life. Then I thought of 
you ; and even whilst fearing a refusal, I 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


31 


sent one of my most faithful followers to beg 
you to come. When you arrived we con- 
sidered Amara almost in the agonies of 
death. ’ 

“ The fever which consumes Amara,” re- 
plied the old man, “ is the most dangerous 
that I know ; it was brought from Africa 
into Spain.” 

“ Save my child, Mohammed,” said Zegri ; 
“ you know not how dear she is to me.” 

I will do my best.” 

** Promise me that you will cure her.” 

“ I possess many valuable secrets of the 
art, my inheritance from my ancestors.” 

“ You must heal her,” persisted the Moor- 
ish prince, “ were she to die I would never 
be consoled.” 

“ Allah is great,” murmured Hassan, 
“ have confidence and be calm.” 

“Restore her to life and health, and I 
will gladly sacrifice all my wealth ; even my 
own life would I give for hers. I offer you 
all my possessions in return for the service I 
expect at your hands.” 

“ You love her then with deep affection ? ” 


32 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


said the physician, much astonished by what 
he heard. 

“How could I help loving her? No 
living being surpasses her in nobility of 
soul.” 

“And yet she is not of your race.” 

“ She is the daughter of my heart. Boab- 
dilla knows that Amara deserves the extra- 
ordinary affection which I bear her.” 

“ What is the tie that binds you to her ? ” 
enquired Hassan, with increasing surprise. 

“ I cherish Amara because of her misfor- 
tunes. Besides, her person is sacred in my 
eyes. You could not conceive the affliction 
her death would cause in my palace, indeed, 
throughout the city ; how many hearts 
would be bowed down by sorrow, and what 
a fearful responsibility would rest upon me.” 

“ Amara is very young to have endured so 
much suffering.” 

“ What I tell is the actual truth. She is 
the victim of terrible calamities.” 

During the whole of this conversation 
Zegri kept his eyes fixed on Amara. Sud- 
denly he started, and springing towards the 
bed he exclaimed : 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 33 

“ Make haste, Hassan, she is fainting, she 
is dying.” 

The Moorish prince raised the head of the 
young girl and endeavored to restore her to 
animation. 

Boabdilla, weeping bitterly, exerted her- 
self in like manner. 

The physician of Badajoz approached, 
preserving a perfect composure, pushed 
aside Zegri and his daughter, gave a few 
drops of his elixir to the patient, who in 
a short time recovered her senses. Then 
turning to the master of the palace, he 
said : 

“ Have you a room removed from all ex- 
ternal sounds? ” 

“Yes.” 

“ Order Amara to be taken to it and for- 
bid all but Boabdilla to enter it.” 

The commands of the physician were 
immediately executed. Zegri and his daugh- 
ter, leaving the dervish to his prayers, accom- 
panied Amara. 

Hassan directed the windows to be closed 
in order to secure complete quiet. He 
administered another dose of his elixir to 


3 


34 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


the young girl, and pronounced her free 
from immediate danger. 

He retired with Zegri to prepare a po- 
tion, and Boabdilla remained alone with 
Amara. She seated herself on a pile of 
cushions, and fixed her eyes anxiously upon 
the young girl who seemed in an unquiet 
sleep. 

The daughter of Zegri, eager to carry out 
exactly the directions of Hassan, scarcely 
dared to move or breathe, so fearful was 
she of making the least noise. 

Whilst she was thus watching with pious 
solicitude, the door of the room was opened 
gently, and in the opening stood a Ynan of 
lofty stature and dark complexion, in whose 
features appeared a manly beauty and a win- 
ning gentleness. 

This person, who was, at least, thirty-five 
years of age, was enveloped in an ample 
albornoz, but his arms being crossed upon 
his breast, slightly opened the mantle and 
exposed to view the serge gown and the 
hempen girdle of a Franciscan friar. 

He remained motionless on the threshold 
until Boabdilla made him a sign to enter. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


35 


and with a light step he approached the bed 
of the young girl and bent over her with an 
air of tender compassion. 

“ She sleeps,” said Boabdilla, in a low 
voice ; “ make no noise — the great physician 
from Badajoz has arrived.” 

“ What has he prescribed ?” 

“ The most entire silence in her room.” 

“ What does he think of her case ? ” 

“ We hope he will save her.” 

“ Poor child ! ” said the religious ; “ Hassan 
will restore the body to health, but what 
can he do for the soul ? ” 

“ Hamar, I implore you speak not of 
religion to her to-day.” 

“She always listens attentively and 
patiently to me.” 

“ I acknowledge it, but these conversations 
fatigue her.” 

“ Ah ! if she believed, she would derive 
from the faith a consolation and peace 
which naught else in the world could 
bestow.” 

“ The religion of which you speak would 
have no power to restore her to health.” 

“The God whom you both reject holds in 


36 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

His hands the destinies of mankind; He 
has often worked miracles in favor of those 
who adore Him.” 

Boabdilla looked incredulous. Hamar 
added : 

“ However that may be, of what value is 
the health of the body compared to that of 
the soul? Sister, reject no longer the 
inspirations of Heaven, but receive the Gos- 
pel which I announce to you.” 

The friar expressed himself with warmth, 
and his ardent conviction appeared to make 
some impression upon the young girl, who 
remained a few moments plunged in deep 
thought. At last she raised her head and 
said in a resolute manner : 

“No, brother, I cannot abandon the wor- 
ship of my fathers.” 

“You must admit the excellence of a doc- 
trine which brought c-owviction to one so 
devoted a follower of the prophet as my- 
self.” 

“Leave me, Hamar, leave me,” exclaimed 
Boabdilla, with energy. 

“ Do my words displease you ? ” 

“ They always disturb my soul.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


3; 


“ Because they are dictated by truth.” 

*‘Your efforts are vain. Never will I 
have the courage to deny the faith of my 
race, and afflict the heart of my father, still 
deeply wounded by your defection.” 

“ Boabdilla, Boabdilla,” sighed the Fran- 
ciscan, “when will you be more generous?” 

At this moment, Amara, rousing from 
her stupor, moved, and opening her eyes 
she saw Hamar. A joyful smile illumined 
her face, and she said in a touching tone : 

“You here ! ” 

Even this exertion was too much for her 
and she stopped, exhausted. After a pause 
she resumed in a feeble voice : 

“ Hamar, I feel that my end is near. I 
thank you for coming ; I see you for the 
last time.” 

“ Ah ! Amara, if you will it you may be 
happy for all eternity.” 

“ Did not the prophet promise happiness 
to the true believer? ” 

“ Mohammed in his paradise, reserves 
only a state of slavery for women ; my God 
grants them pure and incomparable felic- 
ity.” 


38 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“Perhaps your faith is the true one.” 

“ Do not doubt it.” 

“ But how painful the sacrifice to abjure, 
at death, the religion of my ancestors.” 

“ The sacrifice will be sweet ; accomplish 
it without fear.” 

Amara made a gesture of refusal. Hamar 
would have insisted, but steps were heard 
in the adjoining hall. 

There is my father and the physician 
of Badajoz,” said Boabdilla, rising quickly. 
“ Brother, go before they enter. Zegri must 
not find you here ; you well know how you 
have irritated him.” 

“I go,” said Hamar; “but I know not 
when I can return. Amara,” he added, “L 
will pray the God of the Christians to en- 
lighten your mind, to touch your heart with 
the love of His holy law and to withdraw 
you from the path of error.” 

The brother of Boabdilla, the eldest son 
of Zegri, wept as he pronounced these 
words. He retired slowly, lifted the hang- 
ings of the wall and departed by a secret 
passage. 

He had scarcely left the room, when 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


39 


Zegri and Hassan entered. The old man 
of Badajoz brought with him a power- 
ful potion carefully prepared, administered 
it to the patient and anxiously watched its 
effect. It caused a violent convulsion 
which terrified Zegri and Boabdilla : Has- 
san was far from being calm, and his coun- 
tenance betrayed his deep anxiety. At 
last, Amara became quiet, and the color re- 
turned to her cheeks. 

“ Now,’’ said the physician, “ I answer for 
her life, I can save her.” 

“ Is it possible ? ” exclaimed Zegri, over- 
whelmed with joy. “ Is the danger over? ” 

“ I am certain of it,” answered Has- 
san. 

“ Thanks, thanks a thousand times,” said 
the Moorish prince in a transport of delight ; 
“ hereafter, all I have is yours — you have 
rendered me a priceless service.” 

“ I am sufficiently recompensed,” said 
the old man, “ by the happiness of having 
saved a human life and obliged the descend- 
ant of the benefactors of my family. Your 
friendship, Zegri, is worth more to me than 
all your treasures.” 


40 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


Boabdilla manifested as much delight as 
her father. The noble girl could find no 
words to express her deep gratitude to the 
renowned physician of Badajoz. 

Hassan again insisted that the patient 
should be kept perfectly quiet, and then 
withdrew to prepare other potions, that he 
might complete the cure so successfully 
commenced. 

The wonderful science of the old man 
rescued Amara, in a few days, from the 
death which had menaced her. However 
by Hassan’s order, no one but Boabdilla 
was, as yet, permitted to approach her. 
Zulphi was refused admittance to her room, 
and Hamar did not revisit her. She im- 
proved daily and her strength began to re- 
turn. 

At the end of a week the physician said 
to Zegri : 

“ I am no longer of use here ; to restore 
Amara to perfect health, we must employ 
other remedies than medicine.” 

“What do you advise?” 

“ She requires a more bracing air, such as 
is found in the mountains. By remaining 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 4I 

in Granada she runs the risk of falling into 
her former condition.” 

“Where shall I take her?” 

“ Were it not for the distance, I would sug- 
gest the environs of Badajoz.” 

“ Is not the climate of Granada renowned 
for being the most salubrious in all Spain? ” 

“ I admit it. Our ancestors were accus- 
tomed to send hither patients from every 
part of the Peninsula. Still, Badajoz suits 
better certain constitutions. Our Arabian 
forefathers called it Belle daix '" — the 

^'‘healthy country^' whence we derive the 
name Badajoz.” 

“ I possess in the Alpuxarras,” said Zegri, 
“ near Pulchena, an estate situated very much 
like Badajoz ; could not Amara advanta- 
geously pass there the time of her con- 
valescence?” 

“ Certainly.” 

“ I will myself accompany her, and we 
will set out day after to-morrow.” 

“You have decided prudently.” 

“You think that she will recover?” 

“ Entirely. In five months Amara will 
experience no bad effects from her illness.” 


III. 

THE ALBAi'CIN. 

Preparations were being made for 
Amara’s departure, as had been agreed 
upon between Zegri and the physician of 
Badajoz. The Moorish prince contemplated 
taking with him his son, Merwan, and Boab- 
dilla. He urged Hassan so strongly to ac- 
company him, that at last he yielded to the 
solicitations of his friend. The day previous 
to that appointed for their journey Zegri, 
simply attired, left his palace with Merwan. 
He invited Hassan to accompany them. 
Zulphi followed a few steps behind, telling 
the beads of his amber chaplet according to 
his custom. After a rather extended walk, 
the four entered the Albaicin, one of the 
four divisions of the city. 

42 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


43 


The different quarters of Granada are 
very unlike; they were divided as though 
they were so many distinct cities. Walls 
and towers encircled them, and they com- 
municated with each other by gates. The 
Albaicin, the most frequented quarter, con- 
tained five thousand houses and a large 
number of residents. The whole city 
counted seventy thousand houses and three 
hundred thousand inhabitants. Under the 
Moorish domination, it numbered more than 
four hundred thousand. The Albaicin was 
the residence of nearly all the fakirs, lawyers 
and learned men. 

As Zegri and his companions entered 
this quarter a Moor, richly clad, who had 
been standing near the gate, left it and 
walked in advance of the visitors. He was 
evidently interested in them, for he turned 
from time to time to notice their move- 
ments, and he seemed desirous not to lose 
sight of them. 

Having arrived at a house somewhat 
removed from those in the vicinity, Zegri 
stopped and said to his companions : 

“ We will enter here.” 


44 the moor of GRANADA. 

Then approaching Hassan he whispered 
to him : 

“ We are about to be present at an im- 
portant meeting which will interest you.” 

“Of what nature is it ? ” 

“ The Moors of Granada have, for some 
time, been forming a plot against our con- 
querors.” 

“ What is their intention ? ” 

“To cause a revolt among the people to 
drive away the Spaniards and re-establish 
the reign of Islamism.” 

“ It is a serious affair.” 

“ Certainly. The conspiracy, which has 
been conducted with the most profound 
secrecy, has been so matured that it will 
soon be carried into effect. Do you blame 
us ? ” 

“ Not at all. It is a holy undertaking 
which I approve with all my heart. You 
are, I suppose, the leader.” 

“ No.” 

“ You astonish me.” 

“Why so?” 

“ Because your name would have weight 
to rally partisans and obtain .accomplices.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 45 

I was requested to direct the affair, but 
I refused.” 

“ You should have consented.” 

** I was willing only to be initiated.” 

** Do you fear failure?” 

“ Success is possible. When the people 
rise, I shall draw my sword from its scab- 
bard and combat openly.” 

“ I cannot understand by what motive 
you were governed in objecting to be the 
leader.” 

“ I felt obliged to imitate the example of 
my ancestors, who nevCr acted as chiefs in 
such affairs.” 

“ Why then, do you intend to be present 
to-day at the meeting ? ” 

“ I have sometimes attended the sittings 
of the conspirators who are encouraged 
by my approval. I desire now to take 
leave of them and inform them of the 
cause of my absence. I would regret to 
have them put a wrong construction 
on my departure from Granada at this 
time.” 

Zegri having opened the door, introduced 
his companions into a large hall already 


46 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

occupied by fakirs, Moors of distinction 
and tradesmen. As Zegri entered, all arose. 
Zulphi took his place among his brethren, 
and the Moorish prince presented Hassan to 
the chiefs of the assembly, some of whom 
were acquainted with the celebrated physi- 
cian by reputation. A murmur of admira- 
tion greeted the old man, who was invited 
to join the conspiracy. 

Mohammed-Hassan, imitating the wise 
reserve of his friend, excused himself, alleg- 
ing his occupations and the necessity of 
leaving Granada, adding however, that if 
the Mussulmans arose in arms he would not 
delay to join them. 

Zegri having announced his intended 
departure from Granada to the conspirators, 
took leave of them, after assuring them 
that his aid should not fail them when the 
occasion required it. 

The man who had preceded them upon 
their entrance into the Albaicin, had sta- 
tioned himself before a shop, pretending to 
examine the wares exhibited in the window; 
he was in reality closely watching the house 
in which the conspirators were assembled. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


47 


Neither the Moorish prince nor his com- 
panions had noticed him. Zegri, having 
walked a short distance, stopped suddenly 
and said to Hassan : 

“ I have some business to attend to in the 
city before my departure ; will you accom- 
pany me, or would you prefer examining 
this quarter of Granada ? Zulphi will be 
your guide ; having lived for a long time in 
this vicinity, he knows well what might 
interest you.” 

“ I would be much pleased,” replied the 
old man, “ to visit the Albaicin, and I thank 
you for your kindness.” 

Leaving the prince with his son, Merwan, 
Hassan walked away with the dervish. 
The physician availed himself of the oppor- 
tunity to obtain some information concern- 
ing the conspiracy. The devout Mussul- 
man gave him all the details, adding that it 
had spread throughout the portions of Spain 
formerly possessed by the Arabs, and the 
leaders were in communication with the 
Moors of Africa. 

“ What will you do in case of success?” 
inquired the old man. 


48 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“ We shall re-establish the kingdom of 
Granada.” 

To whom do you destine the crown ? ” 

“ To Zegri.” 

“ What is the reason of this choice ? ” 

“ He is the most illustrious and respected 
of the Moorish princes; besides, he is not 
committed to any party, which is, of itself 
an immense advantage, for our ruin was 
owing to the dissensions of our chiefs.” 

“ The plan is excellent,” said Hassan, 
but are you all of the same opinion ? ” 

The fakirs and the dervishes will unani- 
mously proclaim Zegri ; and as their influ- 
ence over the Moors is unbounded, I have 
no doubt of the success of our plans.” 

“ Zegri is, indeed, the man fitted in every 
respect for the restoration of the kingdom ; 
learned as well as brave, he possesses, more- 
over, an upright and firm character.” 

“ What you say is true. Granada will be 
flourishing, and the people happy under his 
reign.” 

This conversation, which had been carried 
on in a low tone, was interrupted by the 
crowd. The physician and the dervish had 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


49 


reached the great square, and Hassan halted 
to contemplate a singular spectacle which 
4iad already attracted quite a crowd. 

A man of lofty stature, with coarse fea- 
tures and wild looks, had climbed upon the 
edge of the fountain. His long black hair 
fell in disorder over his shoulders. His head 
was covered by a skull cap of shabby black 
velvet, from which hung several black-and- 
white feathers, covering his brow, which was 
contracted by an habitual frown. A cloak, 
once scarlet, now of a dingy red and ragged 
from age, was thrown around him. Tight 
breeches, brown stockings with yellow 
stripes completed his costume. 

He held in his hand a broken rapier, 
talked and gesticulated like a madman, 
exciting the laughter and hooting of the 
crowd. 

*‘Who is that grotesque individual?” 
demanded Hassan of Zulphi. 

“ Listen to him a moment,” answered the 
dervish, “ and you will know.” 

Hassan advanced towards the fountain 
with some curiosity. The singular indi- 
vidual was declaiming like one possessed ; he 
4 


50 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


apostrophized a man opposite to him of 
Spanish and Moorish descent. 

“Traitor,” he exclaimed, “ restore me the 
kingdom which you have stolen from me." 

The laughter which this ridiculous speech 
excited roused him to frenzy, and he added 
in a furious tone : 

“You may laugh, but some day I will 
have you strangled or torn to pieces by 
horses.” 

“ Perhaps you will be the first to be 
strangled or quartered," called out one of the 
crowd. 

“Wretches! do you dare to threaten the 
King of Castile and Arragon ? ” roared the 
madman. 

Then bowing his head, he said, in .a sad 
tone : 

“You insult me because I am now 
plunged in misfortune and despoiled of 
everything. But when I recover my pos- 
sessions I shall know how to distinguish 
those who abuse me, and I shall treat them 
according to their merits." 

“ What will you give me who have always 
defended you from your persecutors ? " in- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 5 1 

quired a colossal and half naked negro, 
seated on the pavement near the foun- 
tain. 

“ I will bestow on you, my brave Soli- 
man,” replied the ranter, turning towards the 
facetious African, “the first place in my 
kingdom ; your office shall be to execute 
the great work of justice, to behead and 
hang rascals.” 

“ Much obliged, prince,” said the negro, 
with a grimace. 

“ Do these duties displease you ? ” 

“ I do not say so ; but I would prefer 
anything else.” 

“ Tell me what you would like ?” 

“ I place myself at the disposal of your 
most clement majesty, to assign me a less 
eniment position. I do not aspire to the 
honor of being prime minister.” 

“No other person, however would be as 
well suited to this employment. You are the 
most vigorous and muscular man in Spain.” 

“Rather make him your chief baker” 
cried a voice, “ the handling of the flour 
might whiten his skin.” 

This gross sally was received with a gen- 


52 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


eral hilarity. The negro Soliman was 
stung to the quick ; with flashing eyes, con- 
tracted brow, swollen neck and closed fists 
he confronted the crowd. He resembled an 
infuriated bull. 

Those who were nearest to him prudently 
retired. Attention again reverted to the 
speaker who was violently gesticulating. 

“ Soliman, willing or unwilling, you shall 
be my executioner. Such is my will. 
Without an executioner how could justice 
be administered on earth ? ” 

The negro growled some threatening 
words. At this moment another person 
presented himself to the notice of the man 
with the rapier. 

Aseri-Kolo, whom Hassan had perceived 
among the multitude, finding that Soliman 
was silent, said : 

“You forget me, Seftor Cannamar^s? " 

“ Who are you ? ” 

“ Do you not remember that I have three 
times been your guide ? ” 

“ Yes, yes.'* 

“ Will you not bestow some favor on me 
when you re-ascend your throne?” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


53 


“ Aseri-Kolo,” replied Cannamar^s, in a 
solemn tone, because of your good and 
loyal services, I make you, from to-day, 
chevalier of the order of Alcantara, and 
commandeur of the order of Calatrara. Be- 
sides, I appoint* you grand master of cere- 
monies at my court.” 

The crowd received this promotion with 
an immense burst of laughter. 

“And we,” demanded two Moors near 
Cannamar^s, “ are we to remain in the 
obscurity into which ill fortune has precipi- 
tated us ? ” 

“ By what title do you solicit our fa- 
vor?” 

“ We are the unfortunate descendants of 
King Boabdil. Ferdinand and Isabella, the 
two usurpers, have deprived us of our royal 
heritage.” 

Cannamar^s looked at them compassion- 
ately, and raising his voice to a higher pitch 
he cried : 

“ You are, like myself, among the op- 
pressed, the victims of usurpation. Have 
patience ; as soon as the crown encircles my 
brow you shall have justice.” 


54 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


The Moors made a profound obeisance, 
as if in grateful acknowledgment. 

Cannamares, addressing himself to the 
guide, added : “ Aseri-Kolo, when these 
illustrious personages present themselves at 
our palace of Seville or Toledo, be careful 
to salute them as kings of Granada ; for 
such they really are, and I shall not delay to 
place them in possession of their kingdom.” 

“ Bravo ! Allah is great ! ” cried the Mus- 
sulmans, who composed a large part of the 
assembly. A Moor added : 

“ Sefior Cannamares, I wish to ask you a 
question ; have I your majesty’s permis- 
sion?” 

I am listening. Speak.” 

“What will you do with Ferdinand and 
Isabella when you recover the throne they 
have usurped ? ” 

“ They shall suffer the fate reserved for 
traitors.” 

“You will deliver them to the execu- 
tioner? ” 

“Assuredly, since they are guilty of fel- 
ony.” 

Applause burst forth among the infidels ; 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


55 


and the names of Ferdinand and Isabella 
were mingled with the imprecations of the 
multitude. Exclamations such as : “ Death 
to the king ! ” “ Down with the cross ! ” 
were vehemently reiterated, when a platoon 
of soldiers in charge of an officer appeared 
on the scene. 

At the sight of the soldiers, the Moham- 
medans dispersed in every direction, mut- 
tering maledictions. The negro, Soliman, 
casting aside all rancor, seized Cannamar^s, 
who continued to claim the crowns of Castile 
and Leon, and carried him off' on his robust 
shoulders. 

The physician of Badajoz and Zulphi 
pursued their walk, and Hassan inquired 
of his companion, “ Who is this man ? " 

** Do you not suspect? ” 

“ He appears very strange to me ; if I am 
not deceived, I should say he was half 
crazy.” 

Sidi, Cannamares is entirely crazy ; in 
his insanity he imagines himself to be legiti- 
mate sovereign of Castile, Leon and Arra- 
gon, and the actual masters of these king- 
doms to be usurpers.” 


56 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“ Mysterious aberration of the human in- 
tellect ! ” the old man sadly sighed. 

Again addressing the dervish : 

“ Do you know him ? ” 

“ Very little.” 

“ Does he reside in this quarter ? ” 

“ He has uttered here his insane nonsense 
only during the past week.” 

“ I am astonished that the Spaniards per- 
mit him to harangue in the public squares, 
and to speak in such terms of their sover- 
eigns.” 

“ Do you not perceive that, even in the 
wandering of his mind, he is not entirely de- 
void of prudence? He knows that the po- 
lice of Granada are not well organized, and 
that he runs very little danger. But, listen.” 
“ What is the matter ? ” 

“ Do you not hear a great tumult in the 
neighboring street — to the right ? ” 

“An affray appears to be going on.” 

The two Moors turned to the side indi- 
cated by Zulphi, and they saw a mob advanc- 
ing towards them with furious cries. 

“What is the matter?” inquired the 
physician. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 57 

** The soldiers have found Cannamar^s 
and are trying to seize him.” 

“ They will treat him badly.” 

“ You need not fear that.” 

“ However ”... 

“ They will not succeed in carrying him to 
prison ; the true believers will defend him.” 

“ What interest have they in protecting a 
Christian ? ” 

“ Although Cannamar^s is an Arragonian 
peasant he has Moorish blood in his veins. 
Besides, you know the prophet recommends 
great respect for the insane ; they are, he 
teaches, the inspired of Allah, and the pre- 
destined of paradise.” 

The physician and the dervish stopped to 
see what was going on. 

The royal soldiers had Cannamares in cus- 
tody and were trying to retain him ; but 
the madman, with inflamed countenance, 
bloodshot eyes, and foaming mouth, furi- 
ously resisted ; and the incensed mob rushed 
upon the troop, saying : 

“ Let the elect of Allah alone, dogs that 
you are, and respect the man upon whom 
the spirit of Mohammed reposes.” 


58 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


The Spaniards were hard pressed. The 
fakirs and Morabites appeared at the head of 
the Moors, who roused to a still greater de- 
gree the fanaticism of the crowd by their 
excited language. 

The negro Soliman, first in the rank of 
Cannamar^s’ defenders, distributed right 
and left blows that would have felled an ox. 
The soldiers were already yielding to the at- 
tack of the populace when a re-enforcement 
came to their assistance. 

The Moors, instead of retreating, fell 
with such impetuosity upon the Spaniards 
that they broke the ranks of the small troop- 
The negro, driving off several men around 
the madman, caught him in his arms, placed 
him astride his shoulders, and fled so rap- 
idly with his burthen that it was impossible 
for the royal soldiers to follow him. 

The Moors upon the deliverance of Can- 
namar^s, gave three shouts of joy in honor 
of Soliman, and immediately dispersed. 

Hassan and his companion entered the El- 
Ramaroun Street which was the narrowest, 
and least reputable in the Albaicin. The in- 
habitants were almost entirely composed of 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


59 


Moors ; their occupations were equivocal, 
and they had barely a daily subsistence. 
The noise of the affray had not penetrated 
this point of the quarter. The shopkeepers, 
squatted on mats before their stalls, gos- 
sipped together, awaiting customers. In 
this street the physician of Badajoz and his 
companion met two men, in one of whom 
Hassan recognized the Morabite who hated 
Zulphi. The dervish could not restrain 
himself, and addressed his enemy insult- 
ingly : 

“Shall I always meet you, cursed rep- 
tile ? ” 

Ben-Zohra, impassible, looked at Zulphi, 
and made no answer. 

“ Did you, too, meditate betraying the 
faith of your ancestors ? ” bitterly continued 
the dervish, exasperated by the calmness of 
his adversary. 

Perhaps you will betray it before I do," 
disdainfully answered Ben-Zohra. 

“ You ridicule our profession." 

“ Take care ; Allah is just, and he pun- 
ishes those who insult gray hairs." 

“ Facts proclaim the truth of my words." 


6o 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“ What are they ? ” 

‘‘You associate with a renegade.” 

“ I can no more abandon my friends than 
my religion. Is it a crime to be faithful to 
old friendships ? ” 

“ Wretch ! people point at you as you pass 
through the streets of Granada.” 

“I have not perceived it.” 

“ Because you are blind.” 

“ What evil have I done ? ” 

“You ask that, and you live in the society 
of infidels ? ” 

“ I have nothing to fear ; my virtue is 
proof against every attack.” 

“ Presumptuous man ! it will not be long 
before we shall see you making the cursed 
sign of the cross.” 

“ Who will compel me to do so ? ” 

“ Many stronger than you have been per- 
verted by the contagion of example.” 

“ One is not easily seduced at my age.” 

“ Do you dare to adduce your age in your 
defence ? ” 

“ Why not ?” 

“ Was not the man who now accompanies 
you and whom you are not ashamed to call 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


6l 


a friend, old like yourself when he deserted 
our faith ? ” 

“ If I desire to bring him under the 
banner of the prophet, must I not associate 
with him ? ”• 

“You convert him!” said Zulphi, with a 
loud laugh ; “ ought you not to have first 
prevented him from falling ? " 

“ I will no longer lose time in listening to 
you nor in refuting your malicious accusa- 
tions,” replied the Morabite ; “your lan- 
guage is dictated by jealousy. A day will 
come when your hypocrisy will be un- 
veiled.” 

Taking the hand of his companion Ben- 
Zohra said : 

“ Good bye, Baltasar Hermansor ; pay 
no attention to the insults of this envious 
man.” Without glance towards the 
dervish, the old man walked away with a 
slow and dignified step. Regardless of 
the publicity of the spot, and made 
furious by the contempt, continuing his 
abusive language, Zulphi ran after Ben- 
Zohra. But the Morabite did not con- 
descend to notice these attacks. 


62 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


Hassan, although indignant at this scene 
was not surprised at the behaviour of the 
dervish, because he had already divined that 
this man’s devotion was affected and insin- 
cere. 

The physician of Badajoz recognized the 
name of Hermansor, the old man to whom 
Zulphi had alluded in his quarrel with Ben- 
Zohra. He lived in this street and his house 
was opposite the two Moors ; not wishing 
to take part in the dispute of which he had 
been the involuntary cause he walked 
towards the open door. 

Baltasar Hermansor was about seventy 
years old, of small stature, bald, wrinkled, 
and kept his eyes half-closed — his physiog- 
nomy indicated duplicity and cunning. His 
dress was simple, even mean, and attested 
his parsimonious habits. 

Before Hermansor could enter his house. 
Mohammed-Hassan caught both hands and 
exclaimed : 

“Are you really Hermansor? If I had 
not heard your name, by Allah ! I would 
never have recognized you.” 

Baltasar raised his small gray eyes to his 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 63 

questioner, but his countenance expressed 
neither surprise nor emotion. 

Do you not recognize me, Hermansor?” 
asked the physician. 

The old man was silent, and Hassan pro- 
ceeded. 

“ At one time we were good friends ; have 
you forgotten it ? ” 

There was a sarcastic smile on the thin 
lips of Baltasar as he replied : 

“ I have not forgotten your features. You 
were Mohammed-Hassan, the best student at 
the school of Hammomet. It seems to 
me, in spite of time, that you are but little 
changed.’' 

“ I cannot say as much for you, Her- 
mansor, for it would not be truth,” added 
the physician of Badajoz sadly. “You are 
no longer my excellent comrade of the past.” 

“ Why do you judge me so harshly } ” 

“ Because you receive me after long years 
of separation with freezing indifference.” 

“There is between us, Mohammed, a 
wall of separation,” declared Baltasar, 
casting a defiant look at Zulphi, who ap- 
proached. 


64 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“Am I your enemy?” 

“ I do not say that.” 

“ My sentiments for you are the same as 
in the days of our youth.” 

“ My condition is now far different.” 

“ Explain yourself.” 

“ It is, you see — I am a Christian.” 

As he uttered these words, Hermansor 
entered his house and closed the door in the 
face of the physician of Badajoz. 

“ Cursed be the disciples of the crucified ! ” 
murmured Hassan. “ Can they not leave 
me my friends? Does their religion com- 
mand their converts to hate those who do 
not confess their creed?” The old man 
knocked impatiently at the door. 

“Open the door,” he called; “although 
you may have changed your dress, that will 
not prevent us from shaking hands.” 

“ Another time, another time.” 

“ Why not now ? ” 

“ Impossible.” 

“ Do not say that, Hermansor, or you will 
compel me to force your door.” 

“ Beware of doing so,” returned Baltasar, 
in a frightened tone. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 65 

“ I tell you that I will enter,” declared 
the irritated physician. 

“ In the name of Heaven do not.” 

Who will prevent me?” 

“ I cannot see you again now.” 

Hassan was on the point of replying 
when he felt his robe pulled by Zul- 
phi. 

“ Come away,” recommended the dervish. 

“ Leave me.” 

“You excite attention.” 

In truth, a group of persons, among whom 
he recognized the negro Soliman, had col- 
lected. He reluctantly deferred to Zulphi’s 
counsels. When they were at a distance 
the dervish enquired : 

“ Do you know this Jew ? ” 

“ Certainly.” 

“ Where did you meet him? 

‘‘We studied ten years together at the 
schools of Hammomet, in the beylick of 
Tunis.” 

“ Have you met him since?” 

“ Only once.” 

“In Africa?” 

“No, at Malaga.” 

5 


66 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“ You are aware that he abandoned Islam- 
ism to embrace Christianity ? ” 

“ I heard it to-day for the first time from 
you and from himself.” 

“ I presume that you readily understand 
his conduct in your regard.” 

“ His apostasy surprises me.” 

“ You have no reason to be surprised.” 

“ He appeared an ardent Mussulman.” 

He was only a hypocrite.” 

“ The rabbies frequently sought to lead 
him back to Judaism, which he professed in 
his youth, but he firmly resisted.” 

‘‘Then he has professed three religious 
creeds.” 

“ Is he a sincere Christian ? ” 

“I cannot decide on that point; all that I 
can teU you is that this man is well known 
in Granada, and that he openly practises his 
new faith.” 

“ Do you know under what circumstances 
he abjured the Koran ? ” 

“ Perfectly.” 

“ Relate them.” 

“ Willingly ; you will, at least, be edified 
by your old friend.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 67 

“A truce to reflections !” said Hassan, 
wounded by Zulphi’s ironical tone. 

“ I begin my story, Sidi. At the capitu- 
lation of Granada in 1492, it was stipulated 
that the Mohammedans should freely exer- 
cise their religion. But the Jews were not 
included in the treaty, and on account of their 
bad practices, they were to be exiled from 
the city and from the kingdom unless they 
embraced Christianity. A part of them 
preferred exile ; others, attached to their 
commerce, flattered themselves that they 
would be tolerated, and obstinately re- 
mained. When Ferdinand and Isabella 
visited Granada these Jews were expelled. 
Hermansor claimed exemption from the 
decree in quality of Mussulman. Being of 
Jewish origin he was ordered to depart or to 
become a Christian. He chose to deny the 
religion of the Prophet rather than be 
ruined by banishment, and he received bap- 
tism.” 

I should not have supposed him capable 
of such weakness.” 

He gained but little. He was, already, 
odious to many of our brethren; his apos- 


68 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


tasy entirely destroyed his credit. He has 
lost, at least, one half of his fortune and all 
his friends, except perhaps Ben-Zohra, an 
old hypocrite, who will also be seduced.” 

Mohammed-Hassan, afflicted by the mis- 
fortunes and defection of Hermansor, was 
silent. He returned with his companion to 
the AlbaYcin gate, hastily crossed the Alham- 
bra section of the city, and the Granada 
quarter ; there he met Zegri and his son 
Merwan. 

The Moorish prince conducted the phy- 
sician of Badajoz to his palace. 

The man who had watched Zegri when he 
visited the Albaicin again followed him on 
his return. Having seen the prince enter 
his dwelling he rapidly retraced his steps. 


IV. 


THE SPY. 

This person went in the direction of the 
Alhambra. He traversed the courts of 
the citadel, which were accounted the 
strongest in Europe. He entered the splen- 
did galleries and the superb apartments of 
the old Moorish palace, appearing to be 
perfectly at home. The officers and guards 
on duty permitted him to pass without 
enquiry. 

In truth, they were all aware of his func- 
tions ; he was the chief spy of the governor. 
Count Tendilla. He was given the position 
by Isabella at the time of the conquest, 
and he flooded Granada with his emissaries. 
His difficult situation forced the count to 
use these means of governing. The Moors 
had been but recently subjugated ; they 
69 


70 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


composed the major part of the inhabitants, 
and were restless at the loss of their inde- 
pendence. They detested their conquerors, 
who differed from them in origin, customs 
and religion. 

Indeed, the Spanish conquerors could not 
employ less rigorous measures without ex- 
posing themselves to a terrible revolt. It 
was difficult to keep the happy medium, to 
restrain the Moors and make the royal 
authority respected. 

To accomplish his design without betray- 
ing it, the governor kept a large secret 
police, and these agents mixed with the 
Moors and endeavored to penetrate their 
intentions. The man who had watched 
Zegri in the Albai'cin was chief among this 
force, which had been skilfully organized by 
Count Tendilla, and at any hour, day or 
night, he could enter the governor’s presence. 

The spy lightly tapped on the door of 
the count’s private cabinet, where he con- 
ducted the secret affairs of his administra- 
tion, and Tendilla himself opened the door. 

“ What is there new, Costirabal ? ” he 
eagerly demanded. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 7 1 

The agent, before replying, laid aside his 
Moorish disguise, and wiped the perspira- 
tion from his brow. 

** My day has not been lost, Seftor.” 

“ What have you noticed ? ” 

“You fear there is a conspiracy among 
the Moors? ” 

“ In truth, I do.” 

“ And also an approaching revolt among 
the conquered ? ” 

“ That is true.” 

“ Your suspicions appear to me well 
founded and the danger seems imminent.” 

“ Your report is serious.” 

“ It is exact, as far as I can judge from 
the information obtained.” 

“ Let me know all that you have learned.” 

“ Alas ! Sefior, although I have no longer 
any doubt about the designs of the infidels, 
I have, however, but slight knowledge of 
the details of the enterprise they meditate.” 

“No matter; relate what you have dis- 
covered.” 

“ I am now certain that the Moors hold 
secret meetings.” 

“ Were you present at any of them ? ” 


72 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“ No, unfortunately.” 

“ Did you not try to gain admittance to 
these assemblies ? ” 

Pardon me, Sefior.” 

‘^Then” . . . 

“ As soon as a man habited in Moslem 
dress enters these reunions he is at once 
marked, and all are on their guard. I 
sought to overhear conversations between 
the suspected persons but I have been 
baffled ; their vigilance is very great. The 
Moors have a sign of recognition which I 
have not yet succeeded in discovering.” 

“You know nothing with certainty.” 

“ I have only vague information. It is 
sufficient to place us on our guard, but not 
to frustrate the plot.” 

“Is that all ? ” asked Count de Tendilla, 
with evident uneasiness. 

“ I have not finished.” 

“ Proceed.” 

“ There has been to-day a commencement 
of the disturbance ? ” 

“ In what part of the city ? ” 

“ In the Albaicin quarter.” 

“ What happened ? ” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


73 


“ The populace, excited by the dervishes 
and the Morabites, manifested in a violent 
manner their hatred of the Christians.” 

“ What conclusion do you draw from that 
circumstance ? ” 

‘‘That preparations are being made for 
the insurrection, and that it will not be long 
before it bursts forth.” 

“ Whom can we arrest ? for we cannot 
strike the whole city.” 

“ There is the difficulty.” 

“ Who are the chiefs of this movement ?” 

“ I do not know.” 

“ Do you suspect any one ? ” 

“ The greatest mystery envelops the con- 
spirators.” 

“ Have you watched the Mussulmans of 
rank? ” 

“ I have not failed to do that ; I followed 
to-day for several hours the most illustrious 
among the Moors.” 

“ Of whom are you speaking ? ” 

“ Of Zegri.” 

“ Do you believe that he conspires ? ” 

“ It would not astonish me.” 

“ But up to the present time, he has lived 


74 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


quietly, and has not been concerned in the 
troubles, which, on different occasions, have 
disquieted our government.” 

That would prove his dissimulation.” 

“ I acknowledge that his generous and 
loyal character inspires me with confidence.” 

“ Zegri is an able man, Seftor^ and his 
talents are unsurpassed.” 

I am aware of that.” 

Think how much fie would gain by the 
triumph of his countrymen. The Moors 
would certainly offer him the sovereign 
power.” 

“You calculate what he would gain, but 
reflect on what he would expose himself to 
lose. However powerful the revolt may be, 
it must end in suppression, and Zegri would 
be deprived of his vast dominions, and, 
undoubtedly, of life. Besides, he seems to 
me to know this ; he is naturally moderate 
in his desires and exempt from ambition.” 

“ Fanaticism is all-powerful.” 

“ Zegri is not a fanatic ; he is far from it. 
I do not even think that he is attached to 
his religion.” 

“ However that may be,” added Costirabal, 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


75 


“ I am sure that he was present to-day at 
the meeting of the conspirators. After- 
wards he visited the most notable person- 
ages in the AlbaYcin ; he exchanged with 
different Morabites whom he met on the 
streets signs of intelligence. Indeed, the 
remarkable fact that presages immediate 
danger is Zegri’s departure to-morrow for 
his domains in the Alpuxarras.” 

“ What can you see that is very danger- 
ous in the journey of a Moorish prince to 
the mountains ? ” 

He designs, undoubtedly, to give the 
signal for insurrection.” 

“ Do you not exaggerate the importance 
of this excursion ? ” 

I do not think so. Zegri, after having 
made the final arrangements in the city, will 
call the mountaineers to arms.” 

Have you forgotten that the Mussul- 
mans of the Alpuxarras have been dis- 
armed ? ” 

“ Have i not informed you, Sefior, a hun- 
dred times since, that they have procured 
new arms and that they show a seditious 
spirit ? ” 


76 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

The Count de Tendilla reflected a long 
time on these grave communications before 
speaking. 

“Your suspicions, Costirabal, in regard to 
Zegri may have some foundation.” 

“ They are more than suspicions ; I am 
convinced that I am correct in affirming 
that the Moorish prince is implicated in 
a formidable conspiracy. If you do not 
prevent it, you will soon have proof 
that I advance nothing without just grounds. 
He is the instigator of the revolt in Gran- 
ada, and he leaves the city to take com- 
mand of the Moorish peasants in the 
Alpuxarras. He hopes at last to divert 
attention from the plots of his friends in 
Granada ; his intention is to lull us into a 
deceitful security.” 

“ Your reasoning seems just, but you do 
not bring me any decided proofs.” 

“ Presumptions in certain cases, are so 
linked together that in some measure they 
lead us to the truth.” 

“ I am convinced of that. But what is to 
be done ? ” 

“ Prevent any outbreak of the rebellion.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 77 

“ By using violence, without even a spe- 
cious pretext, I expose myself to the most 
determined resistance, and provoke the 
evil that I desire to repress.” 

After a short pause the spy declared : 

“You are right, Seflor ; at this moment a 
thought occurs to me which enlightens me 
on the plans of the Moors.” 

“ What is it ?'’ 

“ I really believe that the Mussulmans 
desire that you should furnish them with 
an excuse to rebel, and so draw the people 
to their party.” 

“Yes, that is their desire, nothing can be 
clearer; my duty is to crush their hopes.” 

“ Act promptly, time presses.” 

“ The garrison is not strong ; I must imme- 
diately inform the king and queen of the 
state of affairs in Granada.” 

“ That is also my opinion.” 

Count de Tendilla called a secretary and 
dictated a letter to Ferdinand and Isa- 
bella ; he assured them that the people 
of Granada were discontented with the Span- 
ish domination, they seemed on the eve of 
revolt ; the mountains peasants were again 


78 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

armed ; in the city the Christian religion 
was openly reviled, and the royal govern- 
ment spoken of with hatred and contempt ; 
the Moors of the Peninsula had united with 
those of Africa, and the need of re-enforce- 
ment was urgent. 

The governor desired to give an exact 
idea of the situation ; but he could neither 
name chiefs, nor point out the nature of the 
movement now contemplated. 

The letter was sent with all haste to 
Seville, where the sovereigns were holding 
their court. 

Costirabal remained in the count’s cabinet. 
After the count had despatched the mes- 
senger, he addressed his faithful agent. 

“ Now give strict attention to the move- 
ments of Zegri, the presumed head of the 
insurrection.” 

“ What are your commands ? “ Do you 
propose to order his arrest? ” 

Certainly not ; such a procedure would 
precipitate the crisis. I will be prudent.” 

“ Upon that depends our salvation.” 

“ How shall we check the intrigues of the 
Moorish prince?” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


79 


“ Forbid his departure for the Alpuxarras. 
Maintain about him and his friends a skilful 
and unwearied watchfulness. These meas- 
ures may be sufficient to avert the danger ; 
at least, they give time for the arrival of the 
troops which the king will undoubtedly 
send.” 

“ I will follow your advice,” replied Ten- 
dilla. Continue zealously to second me, 
and you shall be rewarded.” 

The spy took his leave. 

The governor sent an officer next day to 
Zegri’s palace. The messenger arrived in 
the midst of preparations for departure, and 
the confusion inevitable on the eve of a 
long journey. A crowd of domestics were 
hurrying through the courts, the apartments 
and the corridors. Outside the palace richly 
caparisoned horses impatiently neighed. 
Mules were loaded with baggage, and 
sumptuous litters, carefully closed, were 
ready for the women and their attendants. 

Zegri was giving his parting orders ; his 
son assisted him ably. 

Count Tendilla’s officer advanced to the 
Moorish prince and bowed profoundly. 


8o 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“ What do you wish ? " demanded Zegri, 
surprised by this visit. 

“ I come on the part of the Governor of 
Granada,” replied the officer. 

“ What message does Count de Tendilla 
send ? ” 

The officer was embarrassed. “ He has 
charged me with a mission to you.” 

“Speak ; what is the matter? ” inquired 
Zegri, fixing on the Spaniard his clear and 
imposing eye. 

“ It is a pressing invitation ”. . . . 

“ Explain yourself. In an invitation 
there is ordinarily nothing disagreeable.” 

“ I fear the one I bring you may be other- 
wise.” 

“ Of course, it is an order.” 

“ Exactly. You are right.” 

“What does the governor require?” said 
the Moor, whose countenance expressed bit- 
ter displeasure. 

“ Count de Tendilla has learned that you 
are about to leave for the mountains.” 

“ I have no motiV’e to conceal my inten- 
tion ; besides, the confusion that reigns in my 
house would not allow me a denial.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


8 


“ My master orders you to postpone this 
journey.” 

“ For what reasons ? ” 

“To answer you frankly, the governor 
fears that you have some secret designs, as, 
for instance, to excite the mountaineers of 
the Alpuxarras and the neighboring coun- 
tries to rebellion.” 

Zegri, whose pride was deeply wounded, 
was tempted to reply haughtily; however, 
he restrained himself, and said : 

“ This journey is indispensable, and to 
forbid it would be cruel in the Count de 
Tendilla.” 

“ Such is, however, his intention.” 

“ He has no right.” 

“ It is not my province to discuss the or- 
ders of the king’s lieutenant.” 

“ Have I given him any cause for mis- 
trust?” 

“ I do not know.” 

“ He suspects me ? ” 

I cannot tell. Whatever may be the 
reason, he positively orders you not to leave 
Granada.” 

“And should I disobey?” 

6 


82 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

“ In that case he will employ force.” 

I will not make a useless resistance,” 
said Zegri, with mingled indignation and 
sadness. “ I will not leave.” 

“ Your resolution is wise, Seflor.” 

“ Return to your master, and tell him 
that his orders are barbarous.” 

“ He thinks they are lawful.” 

“ I fear that he will, some day, repent 
treating me in this manner.” 

“ Count de Tendilla is prudent.” 

“ He is not, on this occasion.” 

“ He has reasons for acting as he has 
done.” 

“ I do not accuse him of yielding to a 
cruel caprice, but I affirm that he is de- 
ceived.” 

“ Be assured that he has well weighed his 
present course.” 

“ Has he reflected that, for seven years, I 
have lived peacefully apart from all intrigue 
and as submissive as the humblest Spaniard ? 
Allah willed that we should be con- 
quered and wear the yoke of subjuga- 
tion, and I have adored the decrees of 
Allah.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 83 

“ Be assured, Sefior, that Count de Ten- 
dilla renders you justice.” 

“ You bring me proof of it. His conduct 
in my regard releases me henceforth from 
all objigations towards him, and I reclaim 
my full liberty of action.” 

Zegri dismissed the governor’s officer and 
directed his domestics to discontinue their 
preparations for departure. 

Merwan whispered to his father: “The 
orders of the Spanish governor indicate that 
the conspiracy has been discovered.” 

“ It is fatality,” replied Zegri. “ The day 
Granada fell, I said, ‘ Our beautiful kingdom 
will never rise again.’ For this reason I 
have always refused to take an active part 
in useless plots.” 

“Yes, implacable fatality pursues us,” 
added Merwan, with bitter sorrow. “ We 
have no sooner consented to ally ourselves 
to the confederates than we are discovered.” 

“ It was written ; the will of Allah is holy, 
and true believers should submit to it with- 
out murmur,” sighed the resigned voice of 
Zulphi, who had glided into the palace of 
Zegri. 


84 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


Mohammed-Hassan was much displeased 
with this unforeseen prohibition. He de- 
cided to remain with Amara, to watch over 
the life of the young girl so precious to the 
Moorish prince. 


V. 


AT THE ALHAMBRA. 

Count de Tendilla’s letter caused 
great alarm at the Court of Seville. The 
sovereigns reasonably dreaded to see the 
lovely kingdom of Granada again fall into 
the power of the infidels : it enclosed in the 
space seventy leagues in length and twenty- 
five in width, one hundred opulent cities and 
numerous villages, with a large population 
of intelligent inhabitants. 

This naturally fertile land contained for- 
ests of mulberry trees and innumerable herds, 
and furnished commodities for commerce 
both with Africa and Europe. 

The population of Granada was large until 
decimated by the civil wars which prepared 
and led to its conquest by the Spaniards. 

The inhabitants of the neighboring coun- 
tries, on the contrary, were crushed by the 

85 


86 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


disorders of feudalism, and were alike victims 
to the dissensions of the nobles and the 
cupidity of the Jews, to whom these haughty 
hidalgos voluntarily abandoned the profits 
of commerce and the collection of taxes, 
regarding these pursuits as unworthy of 
nobility. In their continual struggles the 
latter learned the art of war, whilst the 
Moors forgot it in the allurements of a life 
of luxury and indolence. 

The day soon came when the two people 
combatted for the empire of the Peninsula. 
The intelligence received at the Court of Se- 
ville from the Governor of Granada, announc- 
ing the excitement that prevailed among the 
Mussulman inhabitants of the city and the 
mountains, caused great disquietude to the 
sovereigns and their ministers on the subject 
of the conquest. Between Ximen^s and the 
other councillors of the crown a violent dis- 
cussion took place. 

Francis Ximen^s, of Cisneras, was born in 
1437, at Torre-Laguna, a small town of Cas- 
tile. His mother, Maria-Anna de la Torre, 
was of noble parentage, but his father was 
not ; he held the humble post of collector of 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


87 


the tithes, which the pope granted the kings 
and their ministers during the war with 
Granada. This man’s sole ambition was 
that his son, at first named Gourales, should 
succeed him, and, therefore, he had him 
taught to read and write. But the son 
turned his attention in another direction. 
He studied first at Alcala, afterwards at the 
celebrated University of Salamanca, became 
learned in theology and the oriental lan- 
guages and then, the young Ximen^s 
embraced the ecclesiastical state and entered 
the order of St. Francis. 

In the course of events which it would 
take too long to relate here, Ximen^s, 
renowned equally for his virtues and his tal- 
ents, became the Confessor of Queen Isa- 
bella. He was made, despite his great 
reluctance. Archbishop of Toledo. The 
counsels of the archbishop were indispensa- 
ble to his sovereigns, and he directed all 
affairs. His views always succeeded, on 
account of their excellence, the good judg- 
ment with which he advanced them and his 
constancy in pursuing them. 

Ximenes advice upon the subject of Ten- 


88 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


dilla’s letter was opposed, as was custom- 
ary, by his many enemies, who called 
him “ the elephant ” on account of his 
protruding teeth. It was his opinion that 
Ferdinand and Isabella should them- 
selves proceed to Granada at the head of a 
large force, thus effectually to restrain and 
stifle the rebellion. 

The other councillors, to oppose the min- 
ister, proposed an opposite course, and al- 
leged that to follow Ximenes’ advice would 
be to push the Moors to extreme measures. 

Isabella selected a middle course between 
these two parties ; she declared that she 
would go to Granada, but without being 
accompanied by regular troops ; she would 
take in her suite a number of brave men, 
who, in case of need, could become soldiers. 
She ordered the nobles to follow her exam- 
ple, and lead to Granada their most val- 
iant followers, organized in such manner, 
that, in a moment, they could form a strong 
garrison whilst at the same time a corps of 
troops could hold the country. 

All the great lords were eager to conform 
to the sovereign’s will. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


89 


The precarious health of the young 
prince, Don Miguel, was the ostensible rea- 
son for the journey, and the Court physi- 
cians decided that he required the pure air 
of Granada. Ferdinand and Isabella trav- 
elled separately. The queen, taking the 
child with her, journeyed by short stages to 
the Moorish city. Some of the nobles ac- 
companied her, others took different routes. 

In this vvay was introduced into Granada 
without causing remark, four or five thou- 
sand of the bravest soldiers of Spain. 

Isabella took up her residence in the 
Alhambra, Ferdinand at the country palace 
of the Moorish king, less splendid than the 
former, built opposite to it, on the second 
hill which overlooked the city. Ximen^s 
established himself in the Albaicin quarter, 
that his forces might be so placed as to 
guard equally all quarters, and that he 
might more attentively watch the ma- 
noeuvres of the Mussulmans. But the mind 
when conscious of intrigue becomes cautious 
and penetrating, and the Moors learned of 
the discovery of their seditious practices by 
the very means taken to conceal it from 


90 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


them, the sudden arrival of the Court at 
Granada, the insolent pride of the Castilian 
and Andalusian lords, the sight of the rude 
and warlike countenances, which under the 
guise of page and valet inundated the 
streets. Their fury at finding themselves 
foiled was only equalled by their anxiety. 
They met in secret council to consult if it 
were better to hasten the action of the plot, 
and if they ought not to arm themselves im- 
mediately and to massacre all the Spaniards. 

Had this audacious plan succeeded, it 
would have, been fruitful in great results for 
the infidels. For a moment the fakirs, 
Morabites and some of the leaders thought 
of adopting it. It was opposed by Ben- 
Zohra. He represented, in a sensible dis- 
course, that, in case of repulse, this attempt 
would be fatal to the Moors. “ We are,” 
he said, “ strictly watched by numerous 
disguised Spanish soldiers, ready for the 
combat, awaiting only a pretext to annihi- 
late us to a maip What can we do against 
these veteran troops who have conquered 
the best warriors of Boabdil, of the Aben- 
cerrages, of Zegri, and other illustrious 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 91 

chiefs'of our nation who united their powers 
to repulse the enemy from the walls of 
Granada. We are badly armed, many of 
our leaders dispersed, the people intimi- 
dated and irresolute. The assistance prom- 
ised from Africa has not arrived, the moun- 
taineers have not been notified.” 

The old Morabite spoke with enthusiasm, 
showing clearly that to attack the enemy in 
their present condition would be to deliver 
themselves into their hands. 

Most of the leaders were silent, tacitly 
admitting that Ben-Zohra’s reasoning was 
correct. The dervish Zulphi alone violently 
advocated war. He exhorted his com- 
patriots to act promptly, accused Ben- 
Zohra of cowardice and self-love, and ended 
his discourse by declaring that, on his part, 
he was decidedly in favor of immediate ac- 
tion, and although he should perish in the 
attempt, he was unwilling to risk, through 
timid delay, the success of a conspiracy 
which had been with difficulty organized. 

The young men applauded these zealous 
and fanatical sentiments ; a few among the 
old hesitated. 


92 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


Ben-Zohra, however, soon calmed the ex- 
citement. Notwithstanding Zulphi’s invec- 
tives, the assembly resolved to submit for 
the time and await a more auspicious occa- 
sion. In truth, the Spaniards had so well 
arranged their plans that it would have been 
madness in the Moors to have rebelled. 
They understood this, and the most active 
leaders were 'eager to go to Africa. Several 
illustrious families thus exiled themselves 
voluntarily. 

Count de Tendilla, immediately on their 
arrival, presented himself before his sover- 
eigns. Entirely ignorant of the names of 
the chiefs, he dared not mention Zegri, 
against whom he could not prefer a com- 
plaint ; he contented himself with saying 
that the presence of the Spanish monarchs 
had disconcerted the plans of the malcon- 
tents, and announced that several noted per- 
sonages were preparing to pass the sea. 

Ferdinand and Isabella ordered secret 
search to be made to detect if possible mem- 
bers of the conspiracy, as the names of the 
ringleaders could not be discovered. These 
measures were useless; the spies learned 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


93 


absolutely nothing ; the Moors preserved so 
strict a silence that no inadverdent speech 
betrayed the names of the confederates. 
The sovereigns, comprehending that two 
hostile religions in the same state would be 
a constant source of hatred and discord, de- 
termined to try to convert the Moors. 
They called on Ximen^s for his advice, and 
decided upon the following remarkable 
means. They feigned to have penetrated 
the designs of the Moors and suddenly com- 
manded the fakirs, Morabites, and the most 
influential members of the Moorish councils 
to appear at the Alhambra. 

Great was the anxiety among the Mussul- 
mans when the royal mandate was re- 
ceived. 

They judged that everything was known, 
their plans denounced, their names di- 
vulged, their persons betrayed, and that they 
were called to hear their sentence of con- 
demnation. 

They were compelled to obey, as the com- 
mand was handed them by a lieutenant at 
the head of an escort of soldiers. 

They appeared at the palace with bowed 


94 the moor of GRANADA. 

heads, sad countenances and minds filled 
with gloomy thoughts. How far different 
from the fate of which they had lately 
dreamed ! 

Nearly all of them arrived at the same 
time at the foot of the hill on which the 
Alhambra is built. 

By a singular chance Ben-Zohra and Zul- 
phi found themselves side by side. The 
attitude of the two men was widely differ- 
ent. The old Morabite had never presented 
a firmer appearance, a calmer or more reso- 
lute look ; his tranquil eye attested that he 
feared nothing. The dervish, on the con- 
trary, was overwhelmed, crushed ; his en- 
thusiasm had completely evaporated ; he 
trembled with fear, was obsequious to Ben- 
Zohra. The Moors mounted the declivity 
of the hill attended by silent guards. They 
passed through a forest of odoriferous trees 
which extended to the entrance of the 
Alhambra, and which yet remain, although 
the formidable wall, which enclosed the 
palace have disappeared. 

A series of groves, intersected by limpid 
streams, and gushing fountains, and occa- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


95 


sionally bristling with wild looking rocks 
offered an admirable picture of freshness, of 
grace and of grandeur. The Moors crossed 
the threshold of the principal entrance, 
built of red bricks in the form of a large 
square tower. 

After passing under the sombre arch, 
which was narrow and curved like a horse 
shoe, they traversed the long esplanade 
planted with magnificent trees, at the end of 
which was displayed the extended and ravish- 
ing panorama of the great valley of Granada, 
bounded on the east and the south by snow 
capped mountains, feeding the numerous 
streams which watered the plains. 

Having advanced as far as the court of 
baths, they saw before them the enchanting 
Alhambra, still bearing engraved on all 
sides, in golden letters, the name of Allah ; 
magic palace with its embroidered partitions 
hanging in rich festoons, ceilings delicately 
adorned and illuminated as the leaves of 
parchment, columns slender as the slightest 
shrub, forming a strange contrast to the 
enormous mass of heavy square walls that 
surrounded the edifice. 


96 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


There was a vast basin in the court of 
baths serving for a summer bathing place. 
Around this court ran a graceful portico 
divided by delicate columns, the ruined capi- 
tals of which supported lengthened arcades, 
surmounted by an upper gallery of the same 
style but with less elevated columns. 

The ornaments of these galleries, like 
those of each of the courts and apartments 
of the palace, were of a grace and magnifi- 
cence recalling the previous productions of 
the East. They were entwined, wreathed 
and interlaced in such manner that geome- 
try alone could discover the secret ; the eye 
glided from beauty to beauty as in a 
labyrinth. In one place there were ara- 
besques in which a thousand ideal flowers 
budded and blossomed ; in another, were 
ancient characters which themselves resem- 
bled capricious decorations. These differ- 
ent kinds of ornaments, from which the repre- 
sentations of living creatures was banished, 
were often painted on a groundwork of gold 
in colors as brilliant as those on our ancient 
glass windows, and united the piquant har- 
mony of an infinite variety with an invaria- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


97 


ble regularity. The Morabites and their 
companions were led into the great hall of 
the Alhambra, unequalled in luxury and 
splendor, admirable in proportion and sup- 
ported by two hundred alabaster columns. 
Ferdinand and Isabella, clothed in all the 
insignia of royalty, were seated on separate 
thrones placed at the end of this incompara- 
ble apartment. 

The Moors were led to the feet of these 
new monarchs of Granada. In a few words 
Ferdinand informed them that he had sent 
for them on business of importance, which 
the Archbishop of Toledo would more fully 
explain. 

This vague communication far from reas- 
suring increased their fears. 

They were conducted to the minister. 
Ximen^s received them with an austere air, 
and announced that he was aware of their 
plot to incite the Moorish inhabitants of 
the city and of the mountains to rebellion. 
“ Some among you are directly concerned 
in the conspiracy, others are guilty from 
having known of it and not having revealed 
it. You have, therefore, all deserved 


7 


98 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

death.” A dismal silence succeeded this 
terrible speech. The archbishop, satisfied 
that he had made a deep impression, con- 
tinued : 

“ The sovereigns, nevertheless, consent 
to pardon you, notwithstanding your crimes, 
on condition that you embrace the Christian 
religion.” 

The fakirs, Morabites and other Moors 
drooped their heads in silent consternation. 

Ximen^s insisted ; they protested their in- 
nocence, but ended by acceding to the de- 
mands of the archbishop. 

Zulphi, among the foremost, declared 
that he would be instructed in the Christian 
doctrines and would be baptized. Fright 
even induced him to say that he had long 
thought the religion of Christ superior to 
that of Mohammed. 

“Coward!” whispered Ben-Zohra to the 
dervish ; “ this, then, is the fruit of your 
hypocritical devotions ! You are the first to 
give the scandal of apostasy, you, who 
wished to be considered as the holiest and 
most zealous of Mussulmans. You will 
now know which of us is the firmer in 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 99 

Islam’s faith.” The old Morabite elevating 
his voice said : 

I refuse to abandon the worship of my 
ancestors.” 

“At least, study the doctrines of Chris- 
tianity,” replied Ximenes. 

“ No, I will not.” 

“ This is the price of pardon.” 

“ If so, I will die.” 

Several old men expressed the same sen- 
timents as Ben-Zohra. The minister, fear- 
ing that the example of these Moors might 
be followed, ordered the soldiers who were 
present to lead the refractory Mussulmans 
to prison where they would await a new 
order. 


VI. 


COUNT D’AGUILAR. 

XlMEN^:s, who united the zeal of an apos- 
tle to the genius of prime minister, was not 
contented with the adroit measure he had 
just succeeded in carrying into effect. In 
concert with Talavera, Archbishop of Gra- 
nada, he undertook to instruct the Mussul- 
mans of the city. The two prelates alter- 
nately preached in public and in private. 

Their eloquence had marvellous success. 
The fakirs, Morabites and other persons 
who had been summoned to the Alhambra, 
were faithful to their promises. They were 
instructed in the Christian religion, and 
scarcely a day passed without new converts. 
Many Moors at this time embraced Chris- 
tianity. 

To recompense the neophytes for their 
100 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


lOI 


zeal, offices, employments, and pensions 
were conferred on them. 

Ben-Zohra remained in prison unshaken 
in his religious convictions. 

Zulphi was neither more sincere nor less 
hypocritical, than formerly, after he had de- 
nied the Koran for the Gospel. He entered 
the church unchanged, with the same vices, 
the same baseness of soul. Formulas only 
were different, the spirit remained the same. 

This doubtful conversion, however, un- 
deceived Zegri as to the character of the 
indefatigable parasite ; he acknowledged the 
wisdom of the cautions of the physician of 
Badajoz who had put him on his guard 
against the knavish dervish. 

It was difficult to Zegri’s loyal soul to 
suspect perfidy ; he had placed unlimited 
confidence in Zulphi, had retained him near 
his person, and frequently accepted his 
counsels. On his part, the dervish omitted 
nothing to secure and to augment his influ- 
ence over his illustrious patron ; and he 
almost persuaded him that his aid was in- 
dispensable for his entrance into the Mo- 
hammedan paradise. 


102 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


At the famous siege of Malaga, equally 
fatal to both parties, Zegri, as governor of 
the place, commanded the garrison. Zul- 
phi, although young, was considered a holy 
Mussulman ; he counselled the prince to a 
violent and obstinate resistance, and auda- 
ciously prophesied success. On other occa- 
sions he had made predictions that circum- 
stances or Zegri’s valor had verified. Now 
that Zegri was aware of Zulphi s hypocrisy 
he no longer hesitated to drive him from his 
palace. 

Zulphi, skilful in taking advantage of this 
circumstance, represented himself to the 
Spaniards as a victim of Mohammedan 
fanaticism. He obtained from the con- 
querors generous gifts, which enabled him 
to live at ease in the Albaicin, where he 
affected as much zeal for his new faith as he 
had shown for his former creed. 

Happily all the conversions did not resem- 
ble that of the dervish ; they were generally 
solid and dictated by sincere convictions, 
especially among the more enlightened 
classes of the Morabites, fakirs and dervishes. 
It was necessary to exercise a certain pres- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. IO3 

sure, not, indeed, to impose Christianity on 
them, but to induce them to study the 
dogmas. Their religion had been estab- 
lished by the sabre, and by the same means 
they wished to decide concerning the faith 
of Christ. The monarchs and Ximen^s 
made use of this disposition to compel the 
Moors to relinquish their voluntary igno- 
rance and to constrain them to the doctrines 
of Christianity. So great was the influx of 
the catechumens, that, sometimes, the full 
ceremonies of baptism were necessarily 
omitted. On one occasion Ximen^s 
preached with such effect, that when the 
sermon ended, three or four thousand per- 
sons presented themselves to be instructed 
in the faith. Ximen^s renewed an ancient 
custom of the church, and baptized them by 
aspersion. Things quietly followed their 
usual course. Christianity, of which the 
Mussulmans had been totally ignorant, now 
opened to them its truth, its grandeur and 
its divinity ; and as fear no longer retained 
them in obedience to Islamism, they volun- 
tarily renounced Mohammed to submit to 
the holy laws of the gospel. 


104 the moor of GRANADA. 

The presence of the sovereigns and the 
conduct of the minister, had put a stop to 
all the seditious assemblies of the Moors. 
This timid people, habituated to a despotic 
government, trembled at the least suspicion 
of their fidelity ; the Granadians, factious and 
rebellious in the absence of their masters, at 
the slightest threat of chastisement, hum- 
bled themselves to the dust. 

Ferdinand and Isabella, satisfied that 
tranquillity would henceforth reign in Gra- 
nada, returned to Seville, leaving Ximen^s 
to finish, in connection with Talavera, Arch- 
bishop of Granada, the work so well com- 
menced. 

Their departure was premature ; the fol- 
lowers of Islamism were still numerous in 
the Moorish city, and upon occasions they 
could collect more than a hundred thousand 
armed men, and in case of revolt, a simple 
garrison would be insufficient to support 
authority. 

As soon as the sovereigns were at a di.s- 
tance from Granada, public testimonies of 
discontent were renewed ; there was not only 
murmuring among the Mussulmans, but 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 10$ 

mobs collected and insulted the newly con- 
verted. The two archbishops nearly fell 
victims to the popular fury. Ximenes, too 
feeble to subdue the seditions, conducted 
himself as though he were the stronger 
party, and his indomitable courage stood 
him in lieu of a whole army. 

He prohibited the Moors, under pain of 
corporal punishment, from holding assem- 
blies, abusing the Christian religion, or of- 
fending by word or action those who had 
become Christians. An infringement of 
this command subjected to imprisonment. 
He perseveringly sought to discover the 
cause of the continued dissatisfaction and 
its instigators. Count de Tendilla informed 
him of the suspicions against Zegri sug- 
gested by his agent Costirabal. The minis- 
ter, aware of the characteristic duplicity of 
the Moors, regarded Zegri as guilty, al- 
though there was no cause discovered for 
the accusations, so discreet and reserved had 
been the prince in his conduct. Ximenes, 
with superior genius, comprehended that 
the illustrious Mussulman was the more to 
be feared, as possessing all the qualities to 


io6 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


lead a great enterprise, he held himself 
aloof from the conspirators. 

Acting upon Costirabal’s reports he de- 
cided to take from Zegri the power to in- 
jure, and to seize the first opportunity that 
presented itself to have him arrested. 

By the minister’s orders a more rigorous 
supervision over the prince was kept ; when 
he left his palace he was followed, and in- 
structions were given to prevent him from 
leaving Granada. Zegri soon perceived how 
strictly he was watched ; he also heard of the 
accusations against him, and the designs 
meditated against his liberty. Though 
irritated by these annoyances he was too 
proud to notice them, and he preserved a 
disdainful silence. He changed none of his 
habits, frequented the Albaicin and visited 
his friends as usual. Although unwilling to 
acknowledge it, he was anxious on account 
of his son, of Boabdilla, and, particularly, of 
Amara, who could not perfectly recover her 
health under the influence of the noxious 
vapors and stifling air of the city. He 
was seriously uneasy, and often asked 
himself what would become of these deli- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 10/ 

cate girls should he be thrown into prison. 
At times, he meditated exile, following the 
example of his illustrious friends ; but he 
would by taking such a step expose not 
only himself but his family to danger, and 
it would furnish a pretext to the Spaniards 
for greater persecution. 

Nevertheless, he could no longer dissimu- 
late ; for the rumor was general in the city, 
that although he was peaceable, he might 
hourly expect to be arrested with all his 
household. This idea tortured him ; he did 
not doubt but such a blow would break the 
hearts of Amara and Boabdilla. He be- 
lieved after deep reflection that he had 
found the means of averting this danger. 
Calm and serenity were restored to his noble 
brow. One day he threw a rich albornoz 
over his shoulders and walked to the Ante- 
querrula quarter, and stopped at one of the 
most splendid palaces ; he was received by 
an attendant, magnificently attired. 

“ Is your master at home ? ” Zegri in- 
quired. 

“ He is," answered the valet. 

“ Conduct me to him." 


io8 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


The servant bowed, and guiding the vis- 
itor to a vast and sumptuous apartment, he 
announced the Moorish prince, whom he 
knew. 

“Admit him,” replied a grave voice. 

Zegri found himself in the presence of an 
old man of lofty stature, and distinguished 
appearance ; his brow was furrowed with 
many wrinkles, but his black eyes still shone 
with youthful fire, his forehead was bald 
and his few locks were nearly white. 

“ I salute you, Count d’Aguilar,” said the 
Moor, gracefully placing his right hand on 
his heart. 

“ You are welcome, illustrious Zegri,” 
said the Spaniard, advancing quickly and 
taking the hand of the prince. 

“ My sudden visit must surprise you,” 
continued the Mussulman, pressing the 
count’s hand. 

“ It does me great honor.” 

“You are aware, Sefior, in what pro- 
found respect I hold the brother of the 
great Gonzales of Cordova, whom for eight 
years I have had the happiness to count 
among my friends.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. IO9 

“ I always congratulated myself, Sidi, 
that you deign to include me in the friend- 
ship with which you honor my brother.” 

** It is sincere.” 

‘‘ Of that I am certain ; I only regret that 
the difference of our principles does not 
permit us to cultivate it more assiduously.” 

“ Nevertheless, Sefior, I am here to-day 
to prove to you my confidence.” 

I shall be happy to respond to it.” 

“ I come to solicit a service of you that I 
cannot ask of any of my compatriots, be- 
cause there is no one whom I esteem as I 
do you and your brother. I regard you as 
the most honorable as well as the most val- 
iant cavaliers of Spain.” 

“This testimony from your lips, Sidi, is 
to me of great value, and I will endeavor to 
merit it still more.” 

“ I but speak, Sefior, my real sentiments.” 

“ Be assured that I am deeply touched by 
your words.” 

“ You know, perhaps, of the accusations 
made against me.” 

“ I have heard rumors, and I am greatly 
grieved.” 


no 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


Believe me, Count d’Aguilar, when I 
tell you these imputations must be received 
with caution.’* 

“ I never doubted your loyalty nor your 
candor.” 

“ They accuse me falsely.” 

“ Were you ignorant of the plots that 
were being formed ? ” 

“ No, certainly not.” 

Did you approve of them ? *' 

** It is useless to explain myself on that 
point. But I swear by the name of Allah, 
that I never intended to take an active part.” 

“ What you say is satisfactory.” 

“ I will further add that I am opposed 
upon principle to conspiracies ; it would be 
unworthy of me to use such means.” 

“ You are right.” 

Moreover, in my opinion, the cause of 
Granada is lost ; a fatal destiny pursues us, 
and Allah appears to guide you by the 
hand.” 

“Yes, Heaven has directed every event 
that has ruined the fortune of Islamism.” 

“ God wills it, and it would be folly to 
resist.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


I 


“ However,” Zegri continued, ‘‘despite 
my position and pacific sentiments, I am in 
great danger.” 

“ It is true. I am pained at this, and re- 
gret that the minister is not better informed.” 

“ I do not blame the Christian chiefs ; I 
would naturally excite suspicion, and in a 
city full of a hostile population, how could 
they discover the truth ? Spies, over zeal- 
ous men, have deceived Ximen^s and the 
governor. Besides, I have enemies among 
the Moors.” 

“ I sincerely deplore all that ; I would 
gladly use every means to exculpate you, if 
I had more credit with the minister. Un- 
happily, my brother and myself are not 
favorably regarded, because Gonzales op_ 
posed in council some measures originated 
by the cardinal. Besides in civil or political 
matters Ximen^s never listens to a soldier’s 
advice.” 

“ You can do nothing, I know.” 

“ I am glad that you understand my sit- 
uation.” 

“ I would not use your influence if it had 
great weight.” 


1 12 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

Why not ?’* 

“ Because I scorn to be justified when I 
am not guilty.” 

“ Then you do not design making any 
representation to the minister.” 

“ Certainly not.” 

What do you wish me to do, Sidi ? I 
am ready to ^erve you in any way. I will 
act in your regard as I would for the dearest 
brother.” 

“The perils that menace me alone do not 
alarm me ; I have many times shown that I 
despise death under whatever form pre- 
sented. But I fear for my family, and 
especially for a young girl who is an inmate 
of my palace.” 

“ Are those whom you love exposed to 
share your fate ? ” 

“ I can hardly say. Even if they were 
not disturbed, I would not feel the less 
alarmed for the young girl of whom I spoke.” 

“ Has she enemies ? ” 

“ It is not on that account that I am con- 
cerned ; but her health imperiously requires 
the pure air of the mountains, and we are 
forbidden to leave Granada.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. II3 

“ Is the necessity for her to leave the city 
so very pressing ? ’’ 

“ Listen to me, and judge for yourself. 
Her physician, the celebrated Mohammed- 
Hassan, declares that he will not answer 
for her life if she remains in Granada.” 

“You are deeply interested in this child’s 
preservation ? ” 

“ As much as if she were my own daugh- 
ter.” 

“ Is she a relation ? ” 

“ None whatever.” 

“ Allow me to express astonishment, Sidi, 
at the extraordinary affection you express.” 

“ My religion and my ancestors teach 
that nothing in the world is so sacred to the 
true believer, as one to whom he gives hos- 
pitality.” 

“ This young girl is your guest ? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“Does this title render her so dear to 
you ?” 

“ She has other claims on my affection.” 

“ You have just said that you are not 
united by the bonds of relationship.” 

“ I again affirm it, but I have received 
8 


1 14 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

her at my hearth as a precious deposit, I 
have sworn on the most holy texts of the 
Koran to protect her, and to restore her to 
him who confided her to me should he 
come to claim her.” 

“ I admire these ancient customs,” ex- 
claimed Count d’Aguilar; “ they merit the 
highest praise.” 

“For us hospitality is more than a cus- 
tom ; it is a law which we must observe at the 
price of our blood. He who would violate 
it would be dishonored and cursed forever.” 

“ These are noble sentiments ! Does the 
young girl whom you protect deserve this 
devotion ? ” 

“ She deserves more than I can do,” 
replied Zegri, with emotion ; “ she is the 
sweetest, purest, most amiable of creatures. 
I would cherish her even if the law of hos- 
pitality did not make it a duty.” 

“ Who is she ? ” 

The Moor did not appear to expect this 
question ; he hesitated a moment. 

“ Pardon my indiscretion, Sidi,” said 
Count d’Aguilar, “ I did not mean to ask 
you an intrusive question.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. II5 

“ My children and the physician of Bad- 
ajoz, alone know the secret of her residence 
under my roof. Hassan is still ignorant of 
her parentage. I will conceal nothing from 
you, Sefior, to prove to you how much your 
character inspires my confidence.” 

The Moor recollected himself an instant, 
and began the following narration : 

“ In 1491, several Moslem leaders hastened 
to fortify themselves in Granada with the 
troops of Zagal and of Boabdil in order to 
preserve our expiring independence. Among 
those who had acquired a terrible renown 
was Feri de Benastepar.” 

I know him by reputation,” interrupted 
Alfonso d’Aguilar ; “ he was, by far, the 
most obstinate and savage of our enemies.” 

“ You will not deny his heroic courage, 
which was only equalled by his love of 
country. He was over sixty years of age 
when he came to join us, and at a time too, 
when worn by fatigue and numerous labors, 
he might aspire to a legitimate repose in his 
vast and rich domains in the Alpuxarras.” 

“ I acknowledge that he was endowed 
with a rare warlike energy.” 


Il6 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

“The Moors did not like Feri de Bena- 
stepar ; but he was feared and respected by 
all. For myself, full of admiration for his 
brilliant actions in war, I sincerely esteemed 
him, and even conceived for him a respect- 
ful affection, for, I had served under him, 
and he had rendered me some important 
service.” 

“Feri was descended from a very ancient 
family; he traced his origin from the first 
Arabian dwellers on the soil of Iberia. 
The chief of his race had a command among 
the twelve thousand men who, in 7x1, under 
the conduct of the Lieutenant de Monssa, 
the African Emir, landed on the sandy 
peninsula afterwards called by the name of 
this captain, Djeb-el-Tarick ; there Tarick 
established his camp. 

“ His ancestors fought valiantly at the 
battle of Gaudal^te, where the Visigoths 
were conquered und^r their King Roderick. 

“Afterwards the house of Feri intermar- 
ried with the women of Andalusia, but this 
did not soften the hereditary disposition ; it 
always furnished bold, formidable warriors 
to the caliphs of Granada and Cordova. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 11/ 

“ Feri de Benastepar did not belie the 
redoubtable traditions or the blood of his 
ancestors, of which he was the last male 
scion. He had but one daughter, whom he 
took with him to Granada. His grief at 
being deprived of male posterity increased 
the asperity of the character of this illustri- 
ous Moor. Terrible to his enemies, he was 
intractable with his own people. He fought 
with a gloomy fury during the eight months 
of the siege of the city, and distinguished 
himself by many daring exploits. 

“ When on the 2d of January, 1492, we 
were compelled to surrender Granada, 
which had been ours for seven hundred and 
eighty-nine years, Feri was excepted from 
the armistice accorded to the defenders of 
the place.” 

“You know the motives of this exclu- 
sion,” said Count d’Aguilar. 

“ Feri had done you too much injury for 
you to pardon him. How many villages, 
how many even of your small cities he had 
ravaged ! He had burned your castles, 
massacred your garrisons, devastated your 
fields ; and in contempt of all the treaties 


Il8 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

and truces proclaimed, he made on you 
a savage and brigand war. But in the terri- 
ble struggle that we were sustaining for our 
independence these acts appeared excusable. 
However, Feri was refused the benefit of 
the amnesty ; a price was put on his head 
and active measures taken to trace him from 
shelter to shelter. 

“ Feri, who combated to the last, wandered 
from retreat to retreat, fearing at every 
moment to be discovered by the conquerors 
or betrayed by the hatred of the Moors. 
The night after your entry into Granada, 
under favor of the darkness he came clan- 
destinely to my residence, bringing his 
little daughter Amara, then but fourteen 
years of age. 

“He said : ' Zegri, you are the only man 
whom I esteem and love ; I confide in your 
noble character, and I come to you fear- 
lessly.’ 

“ ‘ It suffices,’ I replied, ‘ that you are un- 
happy ; depend upon my aid.’ 

“ ‘ My head is proscribed,’ he sadly an- 
swered. 

“ ‘ I know it.’ 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. II9 

‘ Perhaps my daughter will be involved 
in my destruction.’ 

“ ‘ Rely on my protection ; it shall never 
fail her.’ 

“ ‘ Thanks for you generous offers ; I did 
not expect less from you. I do not, Zegri, 
implore help for myself ; had I been alone I 
would never have asked admittance.’ 

‘‘ ‘ Your pride offends me.’ 

“ ‘ Excuse me, such is my way of viewing 
things : I ask your compassion only for my 
child.’ 

“‘I repeat that I shall always be at her 
command.* 

“ * I shall depart this night and I cannot 
take this delicate girl with me.’ 

** ‘ She shall reside with me and I will treat 
her with the same affection as I do Boab- 
dilla.’ 

“ ‘ I trust her to your care.* 

“ * I receive her as a sacred deposit.’ 

** ‘ I hope at some time, to claim Amara, 
and you must restore her to me such as I 
place her in you care.’ 

“ ' As far as depends on myself, my prom- 
ises shall be fulfilled.’ 


20 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“ ‘ Swear upon the Koran that you will 
guard her against the Christians.’ 

“ ‘ I swear it,’ I pronounced, ‘ with hand 
extended over the holiest pages of the book 
dictated by the angel Gabriel to Mo- 
hammed.’ 

“ Feri embraced Amara, said, ‘ Adieu, my 
child,’ in a smothered voice, and pressing 
my hand departed in tears. 

Amara sobbed aloud.’ 

“ ‘ May Allah direct your steps,’ I mur- 
mured. 

“ I conducted the young girl to Boabdilla, 
who received her as a sister, and each day 
augments their tender friendship. 

“The flight of Feri and his arrival in 
Africa, where he now resides, were soon 
known. I seldom hear from him as he fears 
to compromise me. 

“ Amara has grown to womanhood at my 
hearth, and I love her as my own child. I 
must say that she inspires the same devotion 
to all who approach her ; her lovely disposi- 
tion exercises great influence over all hearts.” 

Zegri expressed himself warmly, and 
Count d’Aguilar was much affected. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


12 


“You interest me extremely,” he said, 
“ and I would be delighted to see this noble 
child you have so affectionately cherished.” 

“ Thanks, Sefior, for thus anticipating my 
wishes. I desire to place Feri’s deposit in 
your charge ; it will be more secure than in 
my hands.” 

“You propose to me to receive Amara 
into my house ? ” 

“ That is the object of my visit. If I did 
not fear to abuse your kindness, I would 
supplicate you to admit my daughter also 
to your hospitable home.” 

“Your confidence honors me, Sidi ; what 
you ask I offer you with all my heart.” 

“ May Allah reward you. Count d’Agui- 
lar,” said Zegri, raising his eyes, moist with 
tears, to heaven. “ Henceforth, T fear 
nothing.” 

“ Bring the physician of Bajadoz with 
Amara and Boabdilla.” 

“ They will be here in a few hours, for 
time presses.” 

“ Hasten to provide for you own safety; 
in the Count d’Aguilar's home those you 
love will be in no danger. I will conduct 


122 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


Amara myself to a place I possess at the 
foot of the Alpuxarras. If the security of 
the young girl should there be threatened 
from any unforeseen circumstance, I will 
bring her to the valley which is protected 
by the fortress of Monduchar.” 

Zegri, deeply touched by the devotion of 
Count d’Aguilar, expressively placed his 
hand on his heart without being able to 
speak. He again and again pressed the 
hand of the Spanish nobleman, and left him 
with grateful assurance that he would eter- 
nally remember his great goodness. 

Three days later, Amara, Boabdilla and 
Hassan were received at his home with 
charming grace by Count d’Aguilar, his 
wife and three daughters. The next day 
the two families left Granada for the Al- 
puxarras. 

Count d’Aguilar was the younger brother 
of the famous Gonzales Hernandez y Agui- 
lar y Cordova. Their father. Marshal Don 
Diego de Cordova, had command of the 
first war against the Moors of Granada. 
The title of dukes of Cordova belonged to 
their forefathers, and their family, one of 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 123 

the most ancient of Andalusia, still en- 
joyed great privileges in that city. 

Alfonso d’Aguilar became almost as cele- 
brated as his brother in the war against the 
Moors. Among other acts we find that in 
1483, when Boabdil, recently proclaimed 
monarch, made his first sortie from Granada 
at the head of his army, Alfonso decided 
the fate of the infidel prince and opportunely 
relieved Count de Cabra and Gonzales, 
who commanded the Spanish troops. Zegri 
was united to Gonzales and his brother in a 
very chivalric manner. 

During the siege of Granada, Gonzales, 
who, at the time, was the bravest cavalier 
of Spain, challenged the Moors. Zegri 
alone dared to respond to the challenge. 
The contest was terrible ; the Moorish prince 
nearly caused the great captain to lose the 
renown of which he was justly proud. 
Neither of the two warriors having tri- 
umphed over his adversary, they separated, 
filled with mutual esteem. From this arose 
the sincere friendship which was afterwards 
established between Zegri and the distin- 
guished brothers. 


VII. 


THE TOWER OF COMARA. 

Tranquil about the fate of his daughter 
and Amara, Zegri occupied himself in secur- 
ing the departure of his son from Granada. 
By the aid of a good disguise, Merwan de- 
ceived the Spaniards and found refuge in 
the mountains. 

The Moorish prince also decided to leave 
the city, but he had not time to put his 
project into execution. 

Ximen^s, -finding the attitude of the Mus- 
sulmans becoming daily more menacing, 
resolved to strike a blow that would alarm 
them. He ordered the arrest of Zegri, 
under the pretext that he had violated a 
recent ordinance. 

The minister’s mandate was executed 
secretly, for the purpose of preventing any 
124 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 25 

of the partisans or friends of the Moorish 
prince from coming to his defence. Zegri 
protested his innocence and immediately 
offered proofs. He was answered that he 
might justify himself later. 

He submitted to his arrest with dignity 
and without complaint or murmur. 

These measures had been so skilfully 
taken that this act, despite its hardihood, 
provoked no movements .in the city. 

The prisoner was conducted to the Al- 
hambra. He passed through the same 
large door of the fortress that recently ad- 
mitted the fakirs and Morabites ; but in- 
stead of taking him to the palace, he was 
carried by a deep and narrow road running 
parallel to the line of the fortifications to a 
large square tower, broader at the summit 
than at the base, and raised high above the 
thick walls that it flanked. Built of red 
brick, crowned with lozenge shaped battle- 
ments, light was admitted through elegant 
openings in the form of Moorish roses, serv- 
ing both for windows and loop-holes. This 
tower, called in Granada the tower of 
Comara, was one of the most important of 


26 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


the Alhambra, and communicated with it 
by subterranean passages. In the magnifi- 
cent reigns of the caliphs of Granada, gal- 
leries built underground united it to the 
country palace, and it was always well 
guarded* 

Zegri, stepping through the arched door 
of the wall of enclosure entered the tower. 
He mounted a staircase ; its worn steps at- 
tested to the number of wretched beings 
who had been there imprisoned. On the 
second floor the officer who escorted him 
opened a heavy iron door and said : 

Sidi, this is your prison.” 

The Moor made no answer. He looked 
around the apartment ; it was vast and very 
dismal. The wall was ten feet thick, and 
the light was received only through one 
aperture. A long table was fastened to the 
wall ; the furniture was composed of a chest 
of drawers, three stools, several cushions, 
and a faded carpet. 

Zegri having slowly inspected his prison 
demanded of the captain : 

“ How long am I to remain in this 
place?” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


127 


“ I do not know.’' 

The Moor sighed. 

“ I hope that you will very soon leave 
this tower,” added the Spaniard, by way of 
consolation ; “ perhaps that will depend on 
yourself.” 

Zegri was silent. The ofificer left and or- 
dered the door to be locked. 

As soon as he was alone the Moslem 
prince went to the small window of the 
prison. He could see only the brilliant sky 
of Granada. “ Radiant firmament that I 
have so often loved to contemplate, you 
are the mute witness of our subjugation.” 

Turning sadly away he examined the 
walls, on which hung some tapestry in tat- 
ters ; he discovered a few inscriptions in 
Arabic, which he employed himself in de- 
ciphering. Most of the compositions were 
verses from the Koran, traced by captives 
who had succeeded each other in this 
prison. 

Zegri read the lines of the many victims 
with a feverish curiosity. 

He suddenly stopped astonished before 
some characters finely cut in the stone ; he 


128 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


regarded them again and again, fearing to 
deceive himself ; tears flowed from his eyes, 
he kissed the inscription with respect. 

“ What ! ” he sighed, “ have they been in- 
carcerated here ! Ah 1 I am not wholly 
wretched, for I occupy the prison their 
presence has made illustrious.” 

On the portion of the wall which the 
Moor had fervently embraced was marked 
the names of Boabdil, d’Aixa, and another, 
in a childish hand, that Zegri could not per- 
fectly decipher. 

He recalled to mind all the circumstances 
connected with the captivity of those noble 
personages. He surveyed this apartment, 
endeared now to him as the abode of the 
last King of Granada and his mother ; each 
object awoke in him a sad remembrance. 

“ Ah ! ” he said, half aloud, “ here they 
sat, here they reposed. The two young 
princes escaped through this window. Be- 
fore departing, they would also inscribe 
their names among those of other unfortu- 
nate beings. These are eloquent proofs 
that fatality spares none, not even the 
loftiest. In my turn I cruelly experience 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


129 


this to-day. Ah ! if this severe lesson had 
taught Boabdil ! . . . But no ; this prince 
was as cruel towards others as they were to 
him. Besides, he was indolent, and thus he 
lost his beautiful kingdom.’’ 

Zegri silently reflected on these sad 
events. In a few words we will note the 
facts to which he alluded. 

Towards the year 1478, Al-Bohacem, 
King of Granada, repudiated Aixa, his law- 
ful spouse, to marry ZoraYda, a Christian 
renegade, of whom he was enamoured. 

This woman had a son, and she desired to 
secure for him the throne ; ambitious and 
as cruel as she was beautiful, Zoraida urged 
Al-Bohacem to the most terrible crime. 
He condemned the seven children, born of 
his union with Aixa, to be publicly strangled 
in the great hall of the Alhambra. These 
innocent victims were first kept in the tower 
of Comara. Aixa, and Boabdil, the young- 
est son of the repudiated wife, occupied the 
apartment in which Zegri was imprisoned ; 
the other children were in a neighbor- 
ing cell. Aixa was afterwards removed 
from the tower to a pavilion near, but 
9 


130 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

was sometimes permitted to see her chil- 
dren. 

The day for the execution approached, 
and the courageous mother determined to 
save her innocent offspring. By means of a 
rope made with the veils and head-dresses 
of her attendants she succeeded in rescuing 
from the tower the eldest and youngest of 
the prisoners ; the latter was afterwards trai- 
torously slain by his uncle, Boabdil-Moham- 
med-el-Zagal. The two young princes were 
received by faithful servants at the foot of 
the rampart, and conducted that same night 
to Cadiz and entrusted to the Abencerrages, 
relatives of Aixa, who received with respect 
the deposit confided to them by their sister. 

Aixa was not so fortunate in saving the 
other children from the fate to which they 
were condemned by their father. 

This noble and courageous woman 
avenged herself in 1482, when Boabdil was 
secretly brought from Cadiz to Granada and 
triumphantly proclaimed king in the city 
whilst Al-Bohacem was engaged in the siege 
of the Alhambra. 

Such were the dramatic events which oc- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 131 

cupied Zegri’s mind, after he recognized the 
inscriptions made by the hand of Boabdil 
upon the prison walls twenty-one years pre- 
viously. 

The Moor remained a long time plunged 
in a deep reverie, meditating on human 
vicissitudes and the caprices of fortune. 


VIII. 

LIGHT. 

As time passed, the soul of Zegri became 
more calm ; however, he was sometimes 
filled with indignation, not to say anger, at 
being treated with a rigor which he consid- 
ered unmerited. The idea of being in the 
power of the Spaniards, of Christians, re- 
volted him, and he cursed fate which treated 
him with such cruelty. 

Why,” he exclaimed, in moments of 
gloomy anger, why did I not espouse the 
cause of the conspirators ; at my appeal, the 
people would have flown to arms, would have 
proclaimed me king ; and at the head of an 
army of true believers, I might have declared 
war to the death against our oppressors.” . . 

“But no,” he murmured, “these efforts 
would have been useless ; we are con- 
132 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


133 


demned by an inexorable necessity ; and no 
human force would be able to change the 
decrees of destiny.” Then he regretted 
having listened to Zulphi’s counsels, and 
furnished weapons against himself to the 
conquerors. But this could not be recalled, 
and he must patiently submit to the effects 
of his imprudence. 

Ximen^s, who had boldly commanded the 
arrest of Zegri, sent to him, at the expira- 
tion of several weeks, one of his confidential 
agents. 

The gentleman commenced : “ My mas- 

ter, Sidi, commissions me to make you some 
propositions, which I hope you will find 
agreeable.” 

“ Of what do they treat ? ” 

** It depends but on yourself to recover 
your liberty.” 

“ What conditions does the minister 
impose ? ” bitterly inquired the Moor. 

“ Cardinal Ximenbs, representing the sov- 
ereigns in this city, has the right to re- 
quire of you solemn guarantees.” 

'* What have I done to excite his suspi- 

• 1 ** 

cions r 


*34 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“ Have I need to recall it to you ? '* 

“ I am innocent, and truly do not know of 
what I can be accused ? ” 

“ I will acquaint you.” 

“ You will do me a favor.” 

^‘Your intrigues have been discovered, 
Sidi, and the government regards you as the 
principal support of Islamism. Your name 
is a banner for the partisans of rebellion ; 
you are the great obstacle to the tranquillity 
and to the security of Granada ; in a word, 
you are an enemy to our sovereigns who, 
notwithstanding, treat you with leniency. 
Each of these grievances justify the most 
rigorous punishment which could be inflicted 
on you by our monarchs. When your ances- 
tors reigned in this city, they beheaded per- 
sons for less cause ; they acted arbitrarily, 
they observed no form.” 

“ Are you not, at this moment, imitating 
them ? ” 

Certainly not.” 

“ Allow me to deny your assertion.” 

“ I maintain it however, and you are the 
best evidence that I have spoken justly.” 
You have thrown me into prison for 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 35 

having been present at a simple assem- 
bly.’’ 

“ Which was composed of conspirators.” 

‘‘ Is it not an unnecessary severity to 
punish us so harshly for a gesture or a word 
against your religion ? ” 

** Do you remember, Sidi,” replied the 
Spaniard, Abderame II., who proclaimed by 
edict that every Christian should be instantly 
killed who spoke ill of the Koran ? of how 
many persecutions, how much violence, how 
many horrible murders this barbarous order 
furnished the pretext ! Was this example 
chosen from many of a similar kind ever 
followed by us? ” 

Zegri could not reply to this, but inquired: 

“ What does Cardinal Ximen^s require of 
me? 

** Whoever has been implicated in the 
conspiracies,” replied the minister’s messen- 
ger, “ can no longer, you are aware, remain 
in Granada without embracing Christian- 
ity.” 

“ I will go into exile.” 

“ You have not the choice.” 

“ Why?” 


136 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

“ In a foreign land you would, perhaps, 
have greater opportunities to injure us.” 

‘‘ What fate does the archbishop reserve 
for me?” 

“ I know not.” 

“ What is it then you wish ? 

“ The cardinal’s orders to me were : Go 
to Zegri, invite him to instruct himself in 
the Christian faith ; this is the price of his 
liberty.” 

The Moor fiercely said : 

“ Tell your master that such propositions 
are not made to men of my rank. Does he 
not know me? Does he not remember 
Malaga ? ” 

“ Is this your final answer, Sidi?” 

“Yes.” 

“You have reflected?” 

“ My determination is unalterable.” 

“You refuse ? ” 

“ Absolutely.” 

“ However — ” 

“ Say nothing more,” interrupted Zegri, 
“ I will not permit it.” 

“ Be it so.” 

“ Do not fail to remind Ximen^s that 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


137 

I am still the same man I was at Mal- 
aga.” 

“ In truth, I find that you have not 
changed.” 

“ I honor myself by being faithful to my 
principles, and I do not yield to fortune.” 

“ The minister’s agent, finding the pris- 
oner inflexible, took leave of him. 

Zegri encouraged his firmness by various 
reflections, and the name of Malaga was 
often on his lips. In evoking the remem- 
brance of Malaga, Zegri recalled one of the 
most renowed of his war deeds. 

In 1487, the kingdom of Granada, torn by 
civil dissensions, was divided into two par- 
ties between Zagal and Boabdil, uncle and 
nephew ; each struggled desperately for the 
mastery. Zagal possessed the coast of 
Granada, and his nephew some places in the 
interior. 

At the same time they were compelled to 
sustain a war against the Christians. Ferdi- 
nand, under favor of these internal discords, 
passed through the heart of the country 
and advanced towards the sea. This prince 
was already at the gates of Veler-Malaga, 


138 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

a small place only a few leagues distant 
from the great city of Malaga, and had 
camped upon the hills whicli overlook this 
city. Zagal attacked him there and was 
completely defeated. Boabdil profited by 
this catastrophe to enter Granada ; and 
when Zagal, overwhelmed by this news, 
hastened to protect his other possessions, 
Ferdinand laid siege to Malaga. The Span- 
ish monarch, upon the representations of 
some Moorish prisoners, expected to cor- 
rupt the governor of Malaga and receive 
possession of the city. But it was Zegri 
who commanded in Malaga. 

Whilst the Christian army advanced 
slowly on Malaga, Ferdinand proffered the 
Moslem prince large bribes. He offered 
large sums of money and permission to 
choose a residence in all Spain, if he would 
surrender Malaga. The king added that 
his army would soon reduce the place, 
which had no recognized master, since 
neither Zagal nor Boabdil possessed sover- 
eign authority. 

He proposed to treat the inhabitants as 
his own subjects and not to permit either 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 39 

Malaga or the surrounding country to be 
pillaged. 

But Zegri, the bravest among the great 
captains of his nation, iirmly replied that he 
would delay as long as possible the ruin of 
his country, and that he would defend 
Malaga, for the one whom the Moors should 
proclaim their chief. 

Ferdinand in vain persisted ; neither 
promises nor threats moved the heroic gov- 
ernor. 

The Spanish prince then commenced the 
siege of Malaga. His army raised strong 
intrenchments and his navy anchored near 
the city. The Christians found on the first 
attack they made that Zegri had infused his 
own unconquerable energy into the souls of 
his soldiers. If it was required to carry a 
hill bristling with cannon, it was done, in 
spite of the frightful carnage. Malaga was 
defended by several suburbs similar to cita- 
dels ; thus, the sieges and attacks were 
multiplied. The Spanish artillery was 
numerous and perfectly equipped ; the 
Moors, on the contrary, possessed only a 
few pieces of ordnance. But they coun- 


140 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

teracted these disadvantages by frequent 
and murderous sallies in which the Chris- 
tians were repulsed and their works ruined. 

After fifteen days of wonderful resistance, 
Zegri was compelled to abandon the out- 
posts. Zagal, who was on the road to Mal- 
aga with re-enforcements, had been met and 
beaten by Boabdil, and there was no fur- 
ther assistance to be expected. During this 
interval a contagious malady broke out in 
the Spanish army, and raised the hopes of 
the defendants ; but the courage of the 
Christian troops was re-animated by the 
arrival of Queen Isabella at the camp. The 
operations of the siege were renewed with 
ardor, and blood flowed profusely on both 
sides. Every day the assailants opened 
breaches and made terrible assaults without 
gaining any advantage. Religious zeal re- 
doubled the fury of the combatants. 

An unexpected attempt had it succeeded 
might have decided the contest. 

A Moor of Granada, who had acquired a 
reputation for great sanctity, imagined him- 
self called by God to remove the yoke 
which threatened his country. He went to 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 141 

the Spanish camp and demanded an audi- 
ence with the monarchs, saying that he had 
something of importance to communicate. 
He was conducted to* the tent of the 
queen’s chamberlain, whose duty it was 
to present those admitted to her pres- 
ence. 

From the magnificence of the pavilion, 
the distinguished air of the lady and of 
Don Alvaro, father of the Duke of Braganza, 
with whom she was playing chess, the 
Mussulman was persuaded that he saw be- 
fore him Queen Isabella and King Fer- 
dinand. He suddenly drew a short poniard 
from under his cloak and struck at Don 
Alvaro, who avoided the blow. The fanat- 
ical Moor then aimed another blow at 
the chamberlain, who had fallen on the 
floor from terror, but that was also ill- 
directed. 

The guards rushed in at the noise. The 
murderer, casting aside his arms threw him- 
self on his knees and was slain, invoking the 
name of Allah. His body was shot into 
the city. 

The besieged retaliated by sending the 


142 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

corpse of a distinguished prisoner into the 
Spanish camp. 

The siege became more vigorous ; the 
Moors made more frequent sallies, but 
always returned with great loss, and 
there was scarcity of food in the city. The 
inhabitants in consternation supplicated 
Zegri to capitulate ; the intrepid chief, re- 
membering the desire shown to corrupt him, 
considered himself compelled in honor to a 
desperate resistance. 

Besides, Zulphi, who was never absent 
from him, promised him in the name of 
Allah that the Spaniards would soon retire. 

Deputies were sent to the Spanish camp 
with directions, should they not succeed in 
obtaining good conditions, to declare that 
the inhabitants, pushed to extremities, 
threatened to hang five hundred Christian 
captives, to fire the city and to bury them- 
selves under its ruins with their wives and 
children. 

The sovereigns granted the term proposed, 
promising to spare the lives of all in the 
city provided it were immediatetly evacu- 
ated. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 143 

The inhabitants, certain that the inflexible 
governor would reject such conditions, made 
use of deceit. On their return they hast- 
ened to raise the standard of Spain upon 
the principal tower of the castle, the tower 
of Homage, and proclaimed that they had 
obtained the benefits of a capitulation for 
Malaga. 

The gates were opened by the populace 
amid joyful acclamations, notwithstanding 
the threats of Zegri and in spite of the 
garrison. 

The people of Malaga suffered the pen- 
ality of their weakness ; their fate was 
severe, the most of them were reduced 
to slavery or sent to distant parts of 
Spain. 

Zegri was allowed to retire at the head of 
his brave soldiers ; he was conquered, but 
still respected. 

This man, whose strong heart was inac- 
cessible to fear, Ximen^s had undertaken to 
convert from Mohammedanism to the Chris- 
tian faith. 

The minister was not discouraged by the 
reception his messenger had received ; he 


144 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


sent a second officer to the Moorish prince, 
who addressed him as follows : 

‘‘The cardinal, Sidi, leaves you free to 
preserve your religion, or become a convert 
to Christianity ; he does not propose to 
force on you the true faith, but, if in three 
days you refuse to instruct yourself, the 
minister to secure the tranquillity of Gra- 
nada will be constrained to send you to the 
interior of Castile.” 

The Moor replied in a few words : 

“ I will remain faithful to the worship of 
my forefathers ; ” and with a gesture dis- 
missed the officer. 

The evening arrived and Zegri sought in 
sleep the forgetfulness of his sorrows. He 
had scarcely closed his eyes when he heard 
the bolt drawn of the iron door of his prison. 
He raised himself on his elbow and fixedly 
looked at the entrance, wondering who 
could be the late visitor when the jailor 
had made his last rounds and the com- 
mander had placed the sentinel for the 
night. 

The door opened and he beheld two sweet 
and lovely countenances.. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 145 

“ Amara ! Boabdilla ! ” cried the prisoner, 
“ what brought you here ? ” 

They rushed to the arms that Zegri ex- 
tended to embrace them : “ To tell you 

how much we share your misfortune,” the 
young girls answered. 

The Moor held them a long time to his 
heart ; he kissed their pure brows, and sor- 
rowfully remarked the increased paleness of 
Amara’s usually pale face ; he spoke first 
to her : 

“ Child, why have you so soon returned 
from the country? Has misfortune weighed 
more heavily on you, or on the noble Count 
d’Aguilar ? ” 

“I assure you, my dear second father,” 
answered the gentle voice of Amara, “no 
evil has befallen either myself or your 
friend. Count d’Aguilar took Hassan, 
Boabdilla and myself to his place on the 
mountains of Alpuxarras, as he promised. 
There we heard of your captivity, and not 
being able to restrain our anxiety we im- 
plored our protector to bring us to Granada. 
The count agreed to abide by the decision 
of the physician of Badajoz, and Hassan, 
10 


146 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

fearing that alarm for your safety would 
injure our health, consented to our return.” 

“ But they permit no one to enter here ; 
who has had the power to introduce you ? ” 
demanded Zegri. 

“ We owe this blessing to the inexhausti- 
ble goodness of Count d’Aguilar, and also 
to another personage.” 

I know the generosity, the devotion of 
Count d’Aguilar, but who is the other influ- 
ential man to whom I am indebted for see- 
ing all that is dearest to me on earth ? ” 

“ He is worthy of all your affection.” 

“ Whom do you mean, Amara?” 

“ Hamar, your eldest son.” 

Zegri’s brow clouded. 

“Hamar! a traitor to our faith, to our 
race 1 ” he said in a hollow voice. “Yes, he 
was, indeed, the object of my predilections, 
and I cherished him, but he then merited 
my preferences by his noble character and 
his brilliant valor.” 

“ His virtues have augmented,” replied 
the young girls warmly. “ Do not repulse 
your son ; he is more worthy than ever of 
your love.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. I47 

** Enough ! do not, children, recall the one 
whose conduct has given me the most poign- 
ant grief. No, it would not console me to 
see a man who could legitimately aspire to 
the highest rank among us deny Islamism, 
embrace an inimical faith, become a Chris- 
tian priest, and, height of horror, enter one 
of those detested cloisters of which Ximen^s 
is a member. I have cursed Hamar and I 
no longer acknowledge him as my son.” 

“ Then, my father, you will also curse me, 
you will curse Amara,” murmured Boabdilla, 
in a faint voice. 

“ What do you say ? ” asked Zegri, stupe- 
fied. 

“ We are resolved to follow Hamar’s 
example.” 

“ Do I understand you ? You, a daughter 
of the Moors, you will adopt the law of 
Christ ; and Amara, in contempt of her fath- 
er’s will, does not fear to imitate you?” 

** Our souls have been enlightened by the 
faith of Christ,” the two young girls de- 
clared. 

“Ah! wretched children! you give the 
final blow to my overwhelming misery. 


148 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

Aguilar has deceived me ; he has betrayed 
my confidence, he has united with Hamar 
to seduce you from the worship of your 
ancestors.” 

“ They strengthened our hearts, a long 
time convinced of the truths of Christianity. 
Thanks to their encouragement, we, at last, 
dare to profess openly the only true faith.” 

“ Maledictions on the Christians, who 
destroy, one after the other, my holi- 
est affections ! May Allah’s wrath never 
spare them, but pursue them to their last 
hour ! ” 

Boabdilla softly said: “Christ’s religion, 
far from relaxing the bonds of family union 
draws them closer together.” 

“ Why did you come here, unworthy 
daughter of an illustrious race?” 

“To conjure you, my father, to open 
your eyes to the divine light ? ” 

“ What do call the divine light ? ” 

“The confession of Christ, the Son of 
God.” 

“ You ask me to renounce Mohammed ? ” 

“ He is an imposter, a false prophet.” 

“ Respect the religion of your father.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


149 


“ Truth alone has a right to our homage ; 
my father, be a Christian.” 

Never.” 

“At least, allow us to explain to you 
the powerful motives which decided our 
change,” supplicated Boadbilla, throwing 
herself at her father’s knees and caressing 
his hand. 

The Moor was much affected by his 
daughter’s touching and convincing accents. 

“ I shall never have the strength to curse 
you as I have cursed Hamar.” 

He bowed his head on his breast and was 
silent. At length he said : 

“ Is the religion of Christ, then, so very 
pure and sublime that it can subjugate the 
hearts of such women as you and Amara?” 

“ The religion conquers all who study it 
in a proper spirit,” replied Boabdilla. 

The young girl, perceiving that her 
father was thoughtful and that his heart 
was touched, pursued : 

“ Hamar will visit you to-morrow ; listen 
to his inspired words ; deign to suffer him 
to speak to you of the Christian faith.” 

** Neither Hamar nor any other will 


150 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

change me. But out of regard to your 
prayer, I will not forbid him to come.” 

The jailor announced to the young girls 
that the time allowed for the interview was 
past. 

Boabdilla and Amara retired, happy in 
the concession they had obtained from the 
prisoner, and full of hope in God, Who 
changes hearts as He pleases. 

The next day, Hamar, in his Franciscan 
garb, presented himself at Zegri’s prison. 

The Moor had passed the night in reflec- 
tion, and his candid and loyal spirit was not 
averse to admit the light of truth. He 
received his son coldly, but without irrita- 
tion. Hamar at once approached the great 
question of religion, and exposed in a lucid, 
eloquent, irrefutable manner the arguments 
which prove the divinity of Christianity and 
deduced by necessary conclusions the falsity 
of Islamism. Zegri at the commencement 
listened defiantly, but, by degrees, subdued 
by the triumphant force of truth, he did not 
conceal the interest that he began to take 
in the treatment of this grave subject. 

Before the Cordelier left, the reconcilia- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 151 

tion of father and son was complete. Hamar 
had obtained unhoped for results. 

The evening of his son’s visit Zegri sent 
to Ximen^s a message. 

** I may, perhaps, accede to your request, 
but restore me to liberty ; for if I take an 
important step, no one must have the cause 
to suppose that I acted through constraint.” 

The cardinal, refused ; but treated the 
prisoner with the greatest consideration, 
ordered him to be removed from the tower 
of Comara, lodged in a magnificent apart- 
ment, and attended in accordance with his 
rank. Besides, he permitted Hamar, Boab- 
dilla and Amara to live in the neighbor- 
hood ; and to assist the work of his conver- 
sion, the cardinal introduced to him several 
learned doctors. Zegri did not long resist 
the divine voice inviting him to profess the 
faith. He desired to be well instructed in 
Christian doctrine. Ximenes would not en- 
trust this sacred duty to another. After sev- 
eral conferences, which removed his doubts 
and unfolded to him the truths of Christian- 
ity, the illustrious Moor demanded baptism. 

Boabdilla and Amara solicited for them- 


152 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

selves this great grace, and it was agreed 
that they should receive it at the same 
time with Zegri. 

On the day appointed for the august 
ceremony, Zegri, Boabdilla and Amara went 
to the grand mosque, now transformed into 
a church, where they had often prayed when 
they walked in the darkness of infidelity. 
Hamar applied the regenerating waters of 
baptism to his father, sister, and the daughter 
of Feri. Ximen^s was godfather to Boab- 
dilla, the Count d’Aguilar to Amara, and 
Gonsalvo of Cordova filled this office in re- 
gard to Zegri, who took the name of the 
great captain with that of Ferdinand. 

Before the Moor was admitted to baptism 
the minister offered him a pension of fifty 
thousand crowns from his own revenues. 
Zegri refused, fearing that he might be 
accused of changing his religion for gold. 

After his baptism and some time later, 
Ximen^s again renewed the offer, but Zegri 
was firm in his refusal. The cardinal would 
not be repulsed, and it was accepted by the 
new convert on condition that this sum 
should be wholly employed to procure the 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 53 

conversion of the Mussulmans of Grana- 
da. 

Zegri not only proved his sincerity in his 
new faith, but he displayed great zeal in 
propagating it. The influence of his ex- 
ample was considerable ; numerous Moors 
renounced Islamism, and adopted the re- 
ligion of Jesus Christ. 

Boabdilla and Amara joyfully associated 
themselves to Zegri’s labors, developing in 
their charity admirable resources. 

The Moorish prince, henceforth free from 
all suspicion, remained in his palace with 
his daughter and Amara, and Hamar's visits 
to him were frequent. 


IX. 

THE ATPOINTMENT. 

The health of Amara was not re-estab- 
lished ; on the contrary, it seemed to be 
again impaired. Hassan was baffled, and, 
notwithstanding his skill, failed to ward off 
a renewed attack. This celebrated physi- 
cian insisted more than ever that the invalid 
must leave Granada and breathe the pure 
air of the mountains. Zegri desired to fol- 
low his advice ; but Amara begged him 
to defer awhile their departure. The noble 
child thought more of her neighbors’ com- 
fort and advantage than her own ; animated 
by true Christian charity, she had the poor 
to assist, the sick to visit, converts to en- 
courage, and she could not determine to 
abandon these works of zeal. 

Zegri prevailed on her to consent, by 
154 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


155 


promising that he would take necessary pre- 
cautions that none of her objects of charity 
should suffer from her absence. 

The illustrious Moor commenced imme- 
diately his preparations to leave for his 
domains of Pulchena. He was compelled 
however to remain ten days longer in 
Granada, being detained by important busi- 
ness. 

He hastened every arrangement and he 
had secured Ximenes’ permission, who 
granted him full liberty of action, when one 
evening about nightfall, Aseri-Kolo, the 
guide who had conducted Hassan to Gra- 
nada, entered his presence. 

“ Sidi,” said the visitor, “ will you grant 
me a moment’s interview?” 

Willingly,” replied Zegri, astonished at 
Kolo’s mysterious air. 

He made a sign to his servants to retire, 
and as soon as the guide found himself alone 
with the prince, he said : 

“ Yesterday, I was returning from Konda ; 
I had traversed the lesser chain of the 
mountains, and approached Montefrio when 
a man accosted me. 


156 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

^ You live in Granada ? ’ he abruptly in- 
quired. 

“ ‘ I am the guide Aseri-Kolo/ I replied ; 
‘ every one is acquainted with me in the 
country.’ 

‘ Return instantly to the city ; see Zegri, 
inform him that some one will await him to- 
morrow night at the foot of the old ruined 
tower of Ar-Aman. Require him to be 
punctual to the appointment.’ 

“ ‘ I will fulfil the mission intrusted to me. 
Is that all ? ’ 

“‘Be prudent, or you risk your life.’ 

“ The unknown threw me a purse and 
rapidly disappeared.” 

“ This man did not give his name ? ” in- 
quired Zegri, surprised. 

“ No.” 

“ Did you see his features ? ” 

“ Perfectly; I examined them by the fad- 
ing twilight.” 

“ Describe his appearance.” 

“ His hair is short and rough ; his coun- 
tenance strongly marked and swarthy ; his 
beard, thick and bristling, covers his breast ; 
two scars cross each other on his gloomy 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 57 

brow ; he is tall and he appears to be 
old.” 

In this portrait Zegri recognized Feri de 
Benastepar. 

“Very well,” said the prince; “ Aseri- 
Kolo, do not speak to any person of this 
meeting.” 

Having rewarded the guide, Zegri dis- 
missed him. 

“ I will be silent as the dead,” protested 
Kolo, placing his hand on his heart. “ Sidi, 
do not forget : to-morrow towards midnight, 
at the foot of the tower of Ar-Aman.” 

“ I remember,” rejoined the prince. 

Aseri-Kolo retired, loudly praising the 
master of the palace for his generosity. 

The presence of Feri in the environs of 
Granada appeared strange to the Moor. 
He anxiously thought over what this' pro- 
scribed man, upon whose head a price had 
been set, could desire. Did he wish to 
take his daughter, or renew some plot 
against the government ? 

Such were the questions which Zegri 
addressed to himself, and both suppositions 
seemed equally probable. However, he did 


158 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


not hesitate a moment as to the course 
which he would pursue, and he resolved to 
meet the exile. 

At nightfall on the day appointed by the 
guide, Zegri concealed his person under a 
large, dark-colored mantle and secretly left 
his palace. 

He took the precaution, on leaving the 
city, to avoid being recognized by the senti- 
nels, and soon reached the valley, which was 
at this hour full of freshness and perfume. 

He followed a broken and solitary path- 
way through clumps of trees of dense foli- 
age, and from the midst of them he saw the 
remains of a wall from which a thousand 
plants fell in festoons, forming with the mass 
of stones a grotesque and sombre picture. 
All around scattered fragments of the 
building were half hidden under weeds and 
thorny bushes. 

This was the tower of Ar-Aman. 

Zegri saw a shadow advancing towards 
him through the ruins. 

The Moor stopped, and in a smothered 
voice demanded : 


“ Who comes ? ” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 59 

“ Zegri, recognize in me a friend, and un- 
happy exile,” said the man who came from 
the tower. 

Is it possible ! you here, Feri ! ” mur- 
mured Zegri, receiving him cordially. 

Myself.” 

“ Do you fear nothing in returning to 
this country?” said Zegri, pressing his 
hand. 

“ The stranger’s bread is bitter, and I 
longed to revisit my country, to breathe, 
again under my native skies. I prefer to 
risk everything rather than leave my bones 
to bleach on a foreign shore.” 

There was a long silence ; then the ban- 
ished man resumed : 

“ Hasten to give me news of my child. If 
I cannot now visit her, at least I may hear 
of her.” 

“ She is beautiful and virtuous. But alas, 
her health is delicate and fragile.” 

“ Is she ill ? ” 

“ She has been seriously ill.” 

*VWhat did you do for the restoration of 
her health ?” 

“When she was first attacked I called to 


l6o THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

her aid the advice of the best physicians of 
Granada, and iny daughter watched by her 
bedside day and night. Then, to please the 
prophet I sent to Mecca the thirty hand- 
somest mares from my stables, with rich 
presents ; I ordered that seventy camels 
loaded with magnificent gifts should also be 
sent there from Africa. I requested, at last, 
the attendance of Mohammed- Hassan-el- 
Abulmedar, the most famous physician in 
Spain, who came in all haste from Bada- 
joz.” 

“ Is my daughter still in danger ? ” 

No, but her condition requires the 
greatest care and attention.” 

“ Does she suffer? ” 

Do not be anxious ; in a few days 
Amara will be in the Alpuxarras mountains. 
Hassan has advised the purer air of the 
mountains. He hopes the malady will be 
entirely conquered by her removal from the 
city.” 

“ By Allah ! ” Feri murmured, in a gloomy 
tone, “ this would not have happened had I 
not parted with my daughter ! ” 

“ I did all that was possible,” replied Ze- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. l6l 

gri, justly wounded. “ I could not have 
done more for Boabdilla.” 

“ I intrusted her to you full of health 
and strength ; and now, if I rightly under- 
stand, she is near the grave.” 

“ Can we prevent the will of Heaven from 
being accomplished ? ” 

“ Woe to you and yours if Amara dies ! ” 
She will not die.” 

To-morrow at the same hour,” returned 
Feri, in a hoarse, and strange tone. 

Without awaiting a reply from his friend 
he disappeared behind the ruins. 

Zegri remained some time in the same place, 
motionless, stupefied, confounded by these 
unmerited reproaches. He compassionated 
the old Moor, and thought that misfortune 
had embittered his savage character, and 
the idea of his daughter’s danger, the only 
object of his affections, had maddened him. 
Zegri slowly returned to Granada ; he did 
not tell Amara of his interview with her 
father, fearing the effect of agitation on her 
health. 

The following night, Zegri was punctually 
at the ruins of Ar-Aman. This time the 


II 


i62 the moor of GRANADA. 

moon shone brilliantly in a cloudless sky 
and brightened the tower; the Moorish 
prince perceived Zegri, who awaited him, 
half reclining on a mass of stones. He was 
startled by the menacing, terrible attitude 
of the old man. 

Traitor ! ” cried Feri, '' you are right to 
hesitate ; you are conscious of your guilt.’ 

“ I have done nothing wrong,” Zegri 
calmly replied. 

“ I know all,” shouted the old man with 
increasing violence. 

‘ What have you learned ? ” 

“You have renounced Islamism for the 
cursed law of Christ ; your daughter has 
imitated your fatal example. Not content 
with professing the abhorred faith of our 
conquerors, you have delivered Amara to 
the Aguilar, my mortal enemies, that they 
might seduce her from the worship of Allah. 
They have performed well their work ; they 
have cruelly revenged themselves on me, 
since my child has* received baptism and 
abjured the Koran.” 

“ Your daughter has not been forced.” 

“ You lie.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 163 

“ I again affirm that she acted without 
compulsion and of her own free will.” 

How comes it, then, that she has ranged 
herself under the Christians’ standard ? ” 

“ She was convinced that their faith was 
the only true faith.” 

“ She has been perverted.” 

“ You are in error.” 

I speak the truth ; and you, how have 
you responded to my confidence? You 
have violated the holy laws of friendship, 
and abused the sacred deposit placed by me 
in your hands in the day of my misfortune.” 

** Feri, you are unjust to me ; I had no 
other resource than to commit your child to 
the hospitable care of Count Aguilar : it 
was not only a question of health, but of 
your daughter’s life.” 

“ I would prefer to know that she was 
dead than to see her faithless to the Vv^orship 
of Mohammed. Seven centuries have 
passed, and never has a member of my 
family betrayed his religion; and Amara, 
the last scion of our ancient race, will make 
it end in dishonor. Aguilar, Zegri, yon 
cover my old age with opprobrium. May 


164 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

Allah grant me life long enough to avenge 
these outrages ! " 

Zegri was about to answer, when the 
noise of horses galloping through the valley, 
attracted their notice. 

Feri de Benastepar trembled. 

“ Is this a new treason on your part ? ” he 
bitterly demanded ; as he retired several 
paces towards the ruins. 

“ I pardon your insults,” returned Zegri, 
with a sorrowful air; “passion obscures 
your mind, and prevents you from listening 
to reason.” 

“ Go, perfidious man ! ” added the old 
man. “ I renounce my child, henceforth un- 
worthy of me. However, she will see me 
again, I hope. Tremble, both of you; you 
shall feel from this day the weight of my 
anger. Tell Aguilar that him I will never 
forget.” 

The Moor hastily disappeared. 

Zegri shuddered at Feri’s terrible words ; 
he knew him capable of anything. He stood 
still in consternation at the miseries that 
threatened Amara. 

The gallop of horses was heard more dis- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 165 

tinctly and soon the Moorish prince was 
joined by a few cavaliers coming from the 
mountains. At the sight of a man alone 
at the tower of Ar-Aman, they stopped 
and their chief, leaping to the ground, 
exclaimed : 

“ My father ! ” 

It was Merwan, to whom the Moorish 
prince has sent a messenger, assuring him 
that he could return to Granada with per- 
fect security. The young man had not 
renounced Islamism, but Zegri and 
Ximenes hoped that the example of his 
family would promptly bring him to the 
Christian faith. Merwan offered his father 
his horse which Zegri accepted. He did 
not tell his son the cause of his being at the 
tower of Ar-Aman at that unusual hour, 
and the young man did not inquire the 
motive of this mysterious visit. 


X. 

AN INSURRECTION. 

The reader undoubtedly remembers the 
Jew of El-Ramaroun Street, Hassan’s old 
companion at the schools of Hammomet, 
Baltasar Hermansor. We have told that 
this strange man had abandoned the wor- 
ship of Mohammed to become a Christian, 
and that he had retracted his hypocritical 
conversion. 

About a fortnight after the second interr 
view of Zegri and of Feri de Benastepar, we 
find Baltasar at home. It was four o’clock 
in the afternoon. The atmosphere was 
heavy, burning, and laden with dust. Most 
of the shopkeepers were asleep under 
their verandas ; all business was sus- 
pended. 

The house of the Jew was the exception ; 

i66 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 67 

silence reigned every where else throughout 
the street. There the master displayed an 
extraordinary activity, in striking contrast 
with the general repose. Before his door, 
on one side of the street, were heaped small 
casks such as are used for the rarest and 
most exquisite wines. 

Baltasar was occupied in rolling these 
casks to the lower part of his house, and he 
proceeded rapidly with his work, although 
it appeared difficult and beyond his strength 
on account of his advanced age. 

Several men seated under the awning of a 
neighboring inn observed with marked inter- 
est the labor of the old Jew. Among these 
men was the negro Soliman. He looked 
covetously at the casks, filled, according 
to all appearances, with a delicious wine. 
The longer he contemplated them the 
greater the desire to gratify his taste. 

From time to time the negro addressed 
Hermansor. 

Ho ! neighbor," he said, let me assist 
you." 

“Thanks, thanks," replied the Jew. 

“You are exhausted." 


1 68 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

** Thanks, thanks.” 

** I have a pair of vigorous arms at your 
service.” 

“ Useless to me.” 

“ I wish to oblige you.” 

“ I do not accept your offer.” 

Soliman had half risen, but crouched 
down again grumbling: 

“ What a cursed race are these children 
of Israel! Nothing can be had from them. 
They are pitiless.” 

The negro’s companion, on his right, 
shrugged his shoulders, and, after a pause, 
Soliman said to him : 

“ What do you think, Aseri-Kolo, would 
not the wine these casks contain agreeably 
moisten my throat ? ” 

I agree with you ; and I would willingly 
take my share of the spoils, in spite of all 
Mohammed’s prohibitions.” 

- “ The prophet certainly lived in a coun- 
try where they had nothing but water.” 

“ Assuredly.” 

How thirsty I am, by Allah ! if this 
thirst is not relieved, my tongue will cleave 
to my palate.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 169 

“ That would not be a great evil.” 

“ What do you mean ? ” 

“You would talk less.” 

“ Do you think that I abuse speech ? ” 

“ I did not say that.” 

“ The old scoundrel of a Jew makes me 
suffer torments.” 

“You must be satisfied with seeing with- 
out tasting.” 

“ I lose all patience, Aseri-Kolo, and I 
will no longer suffer that we should thus be 
mocked by Baltasar.” 

The guide, a second time shrugged his 
shoulders. 

The negro turned to his neighbor on the 
left, a tall, thin man, resting his head be- 
tween his hands, and added : 

“ Now, Cannamar^s, command this old 
sinner to give us wine.” 

Cannmares raised his head, gazed first 
on the wild eyes of Soliman, and then upon 
the Jew’s hogsheads, and replied : 

“ Have these casks paid the prescribed 
taxes before entering my kingdom ?” 

“ Perhaps ; but the silver has not been 
thrown into your coffers.” 


170 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

“ In that case, confiscate them for our 
benefit.” 

“ You hear !” cried the negro, rushing on 
the Jew ; “your casks belong to us.” 

“ I have payed my money for them,” 
replied Hermansor, with evident anxiety. 

“ Our king, Cannamares has ordered them 
to be seized. As his prime minister I must 
execute his will.” 

The Jew tried to protect his casks. Soli- 
man observing Baltasar preparing for resist- 
ance, called out in a loud voice : 

“ Come, my friends ! assist me in execut- 
ing our king’s orders.” 

The shopkeepers, thus exhorted, roused 
from their siesta, surrounded the Jew and 
the negro, the barrels still lying on the 
pavement. 

The street was soon crowded by people, 
of whom not four in fifty had the least 
knowledge of the affair. Several dervishes 
and Morabites, among them Zulphi, joined 
the mob. The old dervish had not changed 
his dress, and the hypocritical expression of 
his countenance remained unaltered, proving 
the truth of the adage that “ the habit does 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. I /I 

not make the monk.” Zulphi, pressing 
through the crowd, advanced to the front, 
opposite Soliman and Hermansor and im- 
mediately taking the lead, he addressed 
Aseri-Kolo, who, however, was merely a 
spectator, and was near Cannamar^s. 

“ What ! ” he exclaimed, “ are these bar- 
rels of wine the cause of this tumult?” 

“ Entirely,” replied the guide. 

“ To whom do they belong ? ” 

“ To the Jew, Baltasar Hermansor.” 

“To that old knave ? ” 

“ To none other.” 

“ It is incredible.” 

“ Nevertheless, it is so.” 

“ What is he going to do with the 
wine? ” 

“ What is usually done with excellent 
Spanish wine?” 

“ This man has never been known to 
drink wine.” 

“ When he was a Mussulman, he, without 
doubt, faithfully observed the prohibitions 
of Mohammed.” 

“ And at this time ? ” 

“ It is entirely different.” 


172 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

“ It does not appear so to me.” 

^‘The Jew has renounced Islamism to 
embrace Christianity.” 

» Well ! ” 

“ Do you not understand ? ” 

No, indeed.” 

‘ Now that he is a Christian he can drink 
at his pleasure.” 

“These cursed dogs have such ignoble 
habits!” murmured the old dervish. “Tell 
me, Baltasar,” he added aloud, “ was it to 
drink wine that you renounced your relig- 
ion?” 

The Jew made no answer; but a voice 
from the crowd sarcastically called out : 

“Ha, ha! who is talking in this strain? 
Is it not Zulphi, the devout Mussulman 
who has allowed himself to be seduced by 
the Christians ? ” 

Zulphi discovered the man who ques- 
tioned him in this taunting manner, and 
replied : 

“You should reflect before speaking.” 

“ I have ascertained the actual facts.” 

“ Are you, then, ignorant that the law of 
the prophet does not forbid a man covering 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1/3 

himself with a mask when obliged to yield 
to necessity? Does it prohibit him from 
deceiving the abhorred Christians ? ” 

“ Zulphi is right,” the mob cried around 
him, “he is faithful to Islam's worship, and 
his heart has not denied Mohammed.” 

“ He has not done like this miserable 
Jew, who, for seven years, pretended to pro- 
fess Christianity,” said the negro ; adding, 
“ Cannamar^s orders you to give us some 
wine.” 

The Jew clung desperately to his casks. 

“ You refuse ? ” shouted Soliman. 

“ I defend my property,” said Baltasar, in 
a subdued tone. 

“ Break open these casks,” called the 
negro, brutally pushing aside the Jew. The 
mob rushed with him to the wine. 

Whilst this scene was being enacted, a 
man appeared, who was strongly built and 
who had an energetic and determined ex- 
pression of countenance. He threw himself 
with two attendants before Hermansor. 

“ Salcedo ! ” several voices repeated, “one 
of Ximen^s servants, abhorred dog ! ” 

It was, in truth, Salcedo, one of the confi. 


174 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


dential servants of the cardinal, who chanc- 
ing to pass and hearing the cause of the 
tumult, did not hesitate to interfere to pro- 
tect the Jew. 

“ Begone, dog ! ” cried Zulphi, losing all 
control. 

“ On the contrary, I will remain,” calmly 
answered Salcedo. 

“ What are you doing here ? " 

“ My duty.” 

‘‘Your duty, miserable spy,” retorted the 
old dervish, “ rather say, you are pursuing 
an infamous trade.” 

“1 thought you were a Christian,” re- 
turned Salcedo. 

“ It is true that I have for some time worn 
this detestable livery, and I proclaim it to 
my shame.” 

“ I told my master that you were only a 
hypocrite ; you will be punished as you 
merit.” 

“ Look to yourself before threatening 
others, and fear that soon your detested 
religion may disappear from Granada with 
the power of your princes.” 

At the same time, Zulphi excited the mob 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


175 


by his passionate language ; Salcedo, notic- 
ing the exasperation increase, made a sign 
to command silence. 

“ In the name of the sovereigns, Ferdi- 
nand and Isabella,” he cried, “ I order you 
to disperse instantly, if you do not wish to 
incur the severest penalties. Do not inter- 
fere with this man, who is a Christian. Is 
he not at liberty to descend, as often as he 
pleases to his own cellar? ” 

The crowd, instead of dispersing, rushed 
on the cardinal’s agent with savage clamors. 

Salcedo, not succeeding either by exhorta- 
tions or threats, drew his sword, and his 
companions followed this example. 

At this vigorous demonstration the tu- 
mult was appeased and the populace fell 
back. 

In the interval, two Moors arrived, with 
whom Salcedo had had a dispute the pre- 
ceding day. In connection with Zulphi 
these men renewed the quarrel, and over- 
whelmed with abuse the retainers of Xime- 
n^s. 

“You are about to pay,” they said, ‘‘ for 
the outrage your master recently offered us. 


176 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

and you shall learn what it costs to burn 
the sacred books of our law.” 

They were alluding to a recent act of the 
minister, who having had become embold- 
ened by the numerous conversions which 
had daily occurred, in his apostolic zeab 
ordered five thousand copies of the Koran 
delivered to him by the converts to be 
publicly burned in the principal square. 

The cardinal refused to listen to the 
advice of the Archbishop of Granada, Tal- 
avera, or Zegri, who strenuously opposed 
this measure as imprudent and inopportune, 
because the Mussulmans were still in the 
majority. The Moors only awaited the 
opportunity for revenge. Salcedo and his 
companions gave the desired pretext. The 
populace, in fact, had been only for a 
moment, intimidated, and their unchained 
fury now knew no bounds. A Moor struck 
one of Salcedo’s servants and killed him ; 
the other shared the same fate at the hands 
of the populace. Salcedo himself was 
wounded and found refuge in the house 
of a friend, whose wife, a Moorish woman, 
effectually concealed him, though the 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 77 

mob, thirsting for blood, forced open the 
doors. 

The rioters, in paroxysms of rage, re- 
turned to the street, shouting the profession 
of the Moslem faith : “ God is God, and 
Mohammed is his prophet.” The whole 
Albaicin quarter was inflamed with a like 
spirit. Shops were closed and arms dis- 
tributed to the rebels, and from the 
houses rushed forth crowds of the disaf- 
fected. 

This formidable outbreak, which assumed 
such proportions in a quarter of an hour, 
was unexpected to the people, and it had 
been from circumstances advanced by sev- 
eral months. A hundred thousand men soon 
appeared under arms in the Albaicin. quarter 
and in Granada. 

The Moors advanced, pitilessly killing 
those they encountered ; the Spaniards fled 
on all sides, as this immense multitude 
marched on, uttering cries of death. 

The insurrection in a short time became 
general throughout the city ; two hundred 
thousand Mussulmans, scattering death on 
their way, armed with every kind of weapon, 
12 


178 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

and conducted by fanatical leaders, terrified 
Granada by their savage threats. 

This concourse of furious men directed 
their steps towards one point, the palace of 
Ximenes, which was situated in the heart of 
the Albaicin. 

The cardinal, when surprised by the riot, 
was alone with domestics in his vast abode 
and had only time to barricade the doors. 

The mob, like a whirlwind, immediately 
surrounded the place, shouting menaces of 
destruction to Ximenes and all his associ- 
ates. The domesties trembled at what 
appeared inevitable death, and Ximenes 
himself was uneasy. The danger was aggra- 
vated as night approached ; the rebels com- 
menced preparations in good order for the 
siege of the palace, proposing to attack it a 
dawn of day. 


XL 

THE JEW’S OCCUPATION. 

Whilst the insurgents were attacking the 
princely residence of Ximenes, a man en- 
tered the silent and deserted El-Ramaroun 
Street, and rapped several times at the door 
of Herinansor’s house. 

Ben-Zohra pushed open the door, which, 
by an unusual circumstance, was badly 
secured. 

The darkness was so profound that the 
Morabite hesitated to advance. 

We should state that Ben-Zohra, although 
arrested, as we have previously related, for 
his determined resistance to the exhorta- 
tions of Ximenes, had been afterward re- 
leased, although he had not embraced 
Christianity. 

The other Morabites or fakirs who were 
179 


i8o 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


imprisoned at the same time had also been 
liberated. Ben-Zohra stood motionless 
on the threshold, repeating to himself : 
“Where can Baltasar be?” “Can he be 
engaged in this disturbance?” The Jew 
had not left his house ; profiting by the 
diversion caused by the appearance of 
Salcedo and his companions, he had hastened 
to protect his casks from renewed attacks ; 
and he promised himself to be more prudent 
in future. 

In his haste Hermansor, as we have 
noticed, had not secured the door ; the Mor- 
abite, consequently, easily penetrated to the 
interior of the Jew’s abode. 

After a moment’s reflection Ben-Zohra 
groped his way through the narrow and 
dark passage and came to the open mouth 
of a cave. The Morabite descended a very 
rugged stairway, which was sticky from 
humidity. 

Singular circumstance ! In this cave, 
which was longer than it was wide, there 
was not a barrel of wine. When Ben-Zohra 
arrived at the extremity of the cave he dis- 
covered a kind of subterranean trench, which 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. l8l 

he decided at all hazards, but not without 
disquietude, to enter. He dragged himself 
along for half an hour ; as he advanced he 
heard above his head a confused tumultu- 
ous noise which shook the vault, and which 
was to him unaccountable. Suddenly per- 
ceiving a ray of light the Morabite hurried 
forward, and soon arrived at the entrance of 
a vast rotunda that appeared to terminate 
the subterranean passage. 

Here Ben-Zohra beheld a strange spec- 
tacle. An iron lamp placed on a stone, 
lighted the excavation ; on one side there 
was a man, his head uncovered, his arms 
naked, his eyes flashing, his ear pressed to 
the earthern wall in the attitude of listen- 
ing ; beyond him lay pell-mell various min- 
ing instruments and some arms ; at his feet 
a book, and farther on in the shadow were 
placed in rows about fifteen broken casks. 

Ben-Zohra in amazement vainly tried to 
comprehend the scene. He advanced a 
step, calling Hermansor, whom he had just 
recognized. The Jew trembled at the 
sound of a human voice, uttered a sharp cry 
and caught up his arms. 


i 82 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


Ben-Zohra placed his hand upon Her- 
mansor’s arm and said : 

“ Look at me.” 

“ You here ! ” exclaimed Baltasar ; “ how 
did you find the way to this vault ? ” 

The explanation is easy.” 

“ Let me hear, tell me instantly,” insisted 
the Jew, losing all control of himself. 

“ Desiring to see you, I presented myself 
at your door; I found it open, I entered, 
your cave being also open I descended ; this 
is the only mystery.” 

“ At the last moment I have failed in 
prudence,” murmured Hermansor, striking 
his brow, “ but, with you I have nothing to 
fear, you will not betray me.” 

“ If you mistrust me, you will offend me 
cruelly.” 

“ Take this seat by my side, my old and 
excellent friend,” the Jew replied, with more 
marked affection than usual. 

Ben-Zohra seated himself ; then, fixing his 
penetrating eye on his companion, he de- 
manded : 

“ Baltasar, will you reveal the meaning 
of all that I see ? ” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 83 


“ I will conceal nothing from you.’' 

“You may rely on my discretion.” 

Besides, I am confident that you will 
approve my design.” 

“ Then what signifies this long subter- 
ranean passage through which I came?” 

“ The first half dates from a distant time ; 
this underground passage opens into my 
cave through an entrance nearly closed 
which I discovered about six years ago.” 

“ And the other half? ” 

“ I dug it.” 

“ You ? ” 

“I, myself.” 

“ Impossible.” 

“ Why do you not believe me ? ” 

“ Because when I compare such labor 
with your strength, I regard the latter as 
out of proportion with the results obtained.” 

‘‘ What I tell you is nevertheless true.” 

Observing an incredulous smile wander 
over Ben-Zohra’s lips, the Jew added : 

“ Are you ignorant of what patience and 
a persevering human will is capable of ac- 
complishing ? My body, Ben-Zohra, appears 
weak to you ; it is I, however, I alone 


1 84 the moor of GRAIiADA. 

who excavated the remainder of this pas- 
sage.” 

You have done wonders.” 

“ It took me nearly three years to accom- 
plish this work.” 

“ How did you manage it ? ” 

“ My entire secret consists in the firm will 
to attain the proposed end ; with an inflexi- 
ble determination which is never discour- 
aged, one can overthrow mountains. You 
see,” pursued the Jew, with an expression of 
Satanic pride, “whilst the stupid crowd 
thought that I was occupied counting my 
treasures or in usury, I mined day and 
night without intermission.” 

“What became of the earth that you 
removed ? ” 

“I carried it to the garden or to my 
cellar ; I have half filled the latter.” 

“ What is the object of this frightful 
labor? I imagine that you have not con- 
tinued this subterranean work for pure 
pleasure.” 

“That would have been folly indeed. 
But you shall learn all. Do you know 
where this rotunda ends?” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


185 


No." 

“ Under the palace of Ximen^s.” 

“ Is that true ? " 

“ Nothing is more certain." 

“ Can you divine, Ben-Zohra, what these 
casks ranged against the earthern wall con- 
tain?" 

" I have no idea ; perhaps, it is wine." 

“ Better than that." 

“ What is it then." 

“ Powder." 

“ By Allah ! What is your design ? " 
cried the astonished Ben-Zohra. 

“ What is my design ! " repeated the Jew, 
with a frightful smile of hate and determi- 
nation. 

“ I acknowledge that my mind cannot 
discover." 

“ Do you hear the tumultuous sounds 
above us ? " 

‘^Yes." 

“ The multitude are besieging the palace 
of the minister of Granada." 

“ Do you think that the rebels will suc- 
ceed ? " 

“ In what ? " 


486 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

“ In taking the palace ? ” 

“ Perhaps they may accomplish their pur- 
pose.” 

“ You are not certain ? ” 

“It is not given to anyone to foresee the 
decrees of fate.” 

“ True ; but man, in a measure, can direct 
them.” 

“ What do you mean ? ” 

“ If the insurgents do not succeed in forc- 
ing the cardinal’s residence, I will, in my 
turn interfere.” 

“ What is your project ? ” 

“ It seems to me that you have sufficient 
evidence.” 

“ What! these casks”. . . . 

“ Are destined to blow up the palace of 
Ximen^s if the attack of the mob is unsuc- 
cessful.” 

At this declaration the Morabite shud- 
dered with horror. He mechanically rose, 
wiping his brow, which was bathed in a cold 
sweat ; but noticing the impassibility of 
Baltasar, he was ashamed of his emotion 
and again sat down. 

“You are a Christian,” observed Ben- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 187 

Zohra, “ and you meditate the death of the 
Archbishop of Toledo, of the man who in- 
structed you in your adopted faith, at the 
time of the edicts of Ferdinand and Isa- 
bella.’’ 

The Jew smiled bitterly. 

“ Ben-Zohra, he replied, “ you have not 
learned in the mysteries of science to pene- 
trate the profound mysteries of the human 
heart.” 

“ I do not understand you, and your con- 
duct is to me inexplicable.” 

“ Listen attentively and you shall be en- 
lightened. I have never been sincerely a 
Christian. I feigned conversion in order to 
avoid exile and the loss of fortune. I was 
not long in repenting of my concession, be- 
cause I not the less lost my credit and my 
riches. Moreover, I attracted to myself the 
disdain of Christians and the contempt and 
hatred of Mussulmans. I did not, however, 
desire to retract. The better to deceive, I 
have for eight years pretended a profound 
attachment to my new religion, and I have 
submitted with an apparent indifference to 
the trials which resulted from the course I 


1 88 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

pursued. I secretly fostered sentiments of 
hate and vengeance. None felt more strongly 
than I the affronts they put upon me, the 
injuries with which they overwhelmed me, 
the ignominies of my situation. Whilst all 
except yourself, cursed me, I meditated in 
silence and in solitude upon the means of 
punishing my enemies for their bad treat- 
ment, and of regaining by one stroke the 
esteem and favor of the true believers. Be- 
hold what I have done in secret. Ben- 
Zohra, would you have suspected this ? ” 

“ Never ! " 

“ So much the better ! not being sus- 
pected, the general surprise of our brethren 
will be greater.” 

The Morabite contemplated the fanatical 
Jew with admiration not unmixed with 
terror ; his appearance, at this moment, was 
diabolical ; his eyes flashed hatred and 
vengeance. The passion which possessed 
the wretch soon communicated itself to his 
companion, who exclaimed enthusiasti- 
cally : 

“ Hermansor, your project is sublime ; it 
is worthy of a true Mussulman. Your name 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 89 


will become illustrious among us, and it will 
be honored by future ages.” 

“ I ask nothing more,” interrupted the 
Jew ; “I work for glory alone.” 

“ What is your design ? ” 

“ I have already informed you.” 

“ I scarcely understood it.” 

Have I not related how much I have 
suffered during the last eight years of shame 
and humiliation ? ” 

“ Terrible and implacable resolves were 
formed in my heart during those cruel years, 
and when this mine explodes the vengeance 
of my soul will be satisfied and that will 
suffice for my ambition.” 

“ Honors do no harm, and they need not 
be rejected in advance.” 

What should I do with them? Per- 
haps I may not survive my vengeance.” 

“ Is the sacrifice of your life necessary to 
secure your design?” 

“ It is possible that the accomplishment 
of my work may require my life.” 

“ A brimstone match, I suppose, will be 
sufficient to ignite the powder in the casks.” 

“Undoubtedly; and that is also ready. 


190 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

and the fuse ends at the entrance of my 
cellar ; but circumstances might oblige me 
to apply the fire to the powder itself. 
Besides, as I have decided to remain inside 
to watch the result of the enterprise, I 
expose myself to be buried under the ruins 
of my house, for the explosion will be 
frightful.” 

“ Whatever happens, my friend, let me 
share your fate,” supplicated Ben-Zohra, 
with exaltation. “ Allah promises paradise 
to those who will do the most evil to the 
infidels ; if we succeed, we shall obtain a 
high place.” 

“I accept your proposition,” the Jew 
replied ; “we have been united in life, let us 
not be separated by death.” 

This terrible conversation was abruptly 
interrupted by the noise of hasty steps in 
the excavated passage. The two fanatics 
arose with a bound, and Ben-Zohra seized 
an arquebus, the Jew a hatchet and an 
old pistol. 

The two friends had scarcely time to put 
themselves in a guarded position, when 
the colossal form of the negro, Soliman, 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. I9I 

appearing at the entrance of the rotunda ; 
he rushed towards the casks, crying in a 
drunken tone : 

“ What good fortune ! here are the casks 
of Sefior Baltasar.” 

The negro chanted the first couplet of a 
bacchanalian song. 

Ben-Zohra dealt him a blow across his 
shoulders, with the butt end of the arque- 
bus. 

‘‘Oh, oh !” he yelled, “you are making 
merry here, you two ! ” 

Returning to the entrance, he called 
aloud : 

“ Hello ! make haste. Master Cannamar^s, 
there are in this vestibule to hell, a troop of 
enraged demons who are drinking all our 
wine.” 

Then looking at the man with the arque- 
bus whose face he had not yet seen, he 
shouted with laughter. 

“ There, there,” he said, “ may your blows 
be blessed, holy Morabite ; I have never 
received any from a more venerable hand ; 
and to compensate me for the pain, permit 
me to taste a little of this wine, of which I 


192 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

have no doubt you have already taken full 
bumpers.” 

“ Cursed dog ! ” replied Ben-Zohra, offend- 
ed at the familiarity, “will you cease to 
blaspheme ? do you believe that the true 
believers give themselves to such infamous 
orgies ? ” 

“ Do not excite yourself, respectable 
Morabite.” 

Soliman, at this moment, perceived the 
Jew standing motionless, and regarding him 
with a sinister expression. 

“ I salute you, Baltasar,” continued the 
negro ; “ know that this time we must and 
we will have drink. Halloo ! Cannamar^s, 
to the rescue ! ” 

He had hardly finished when Herman- 
sor, exasperated at the insolence of the 
knave, pointed his pistol at the negro’s 
breast and attempted to fire, but being an 
old pistol, it flashed in the pan. Soliman 
was furious ; he rushed upon the two fanatics 
and disarmed them in a few moments. 
Having accomplished this, he became calm, 
and said : 

“ I bear a good character, and I will not 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 193 

injure it for a trifle. One cup of wine and I 
will think no more of this; but do not 
recommence or I shall continue this sport, 
and you will be the sufferers.” 

At this moment, Cannamar^s appeared at 
the entrance, and with gestures of fear, the 
fool sobbed out : 

“You have led me among demons.” 

“ Not at all ; console yourself, illustrious 
prince, and let us rejoice together, we are in 
the country of good wine.” 

Soliman recommenced his drinking song 
and approaching the nearest cask, he raised 
it like a feather and put his lips to the 
orifice. 

“What are you doing?” cried the fright- 
ened Jew. 

“ How light this barrel is ! ” exclaimed 
Soliman ; “ drunkards, you have half emptied 
it ; I will pay you for this.” 

“ It is not wine,” said Baltasar, in a 
hoarse voice. 

“ Then what is it ? ” 

“ Powder.” 

“ Do you drink powder?” demanded the 
negro dropping the cask. 

13 


194 the moor of GRANADA. 

Ben-Zohra and the Jew rushed forward to 
prevent the contents being scattered near 
the lamp. 

“ Soliman, we do not drink powder, but 
we make use of it to rid ourselves of those 
whom we detest. Leave, with your comrade, 
before you are overtaken by some misfor- 
tune.’' 

The negro hastily recoiled. The Jew 
continued. 

All these barrels are filled with powder, 
like the one you have just seen.” 

“ How do you propose to use these 
redoubtable engines of evil?” 

“ I have no reason to conceal from you 
that I propose to blow up the palace of 
Ximenes. Does that displease you ? ” 

“ By no means. Ruin all Granada, if such 
is your pleasure ; of what consequence is it 
to me provided that you leave some taverns 
standing where the landlords will serve wine.” 

“ Ximenes is the greatest enemy to 
Islamism and he ought to perish.” 

The negro was thinking of something else. 
He was cruelly disappointed ; he had left 
the mob hooting and shouting around 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 95 

Ximen^s’ palace in order to visit the Jew’s 
cave, and he was distressed at not drinking 
at his pleasure as he had anticipated ; there- 
fore, he was absorbed in lamenting the se- 
verity of his fate. 

Cannamar^s cowered in a corner, without 
uttering a word. 

Baltasar seeing Soliman make no motion 
to retire, said to him : 

“ As you remain here, at least make your- 
self useful.” 

“ In what can I aid you 
The hour perhaps approaches.” 

“ What do you want me to do?” 

** Roll these casks in a position which will 
produce the greatest effect when they 
explode.” 

The negro consented ; and the three men 
commenced heaping the casks of powder 
upon each other to the top of the cellar. 
Cannamar^s crouched at the entrance, kept 
silence. 

Two men suddenly and noiselessly passed 
near the earthern wall and carefully ex- 
amined the rotunda, taking care, however, 
not to be observed. 


196 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

Cannamares was frightened, but did not 
move. One of the men was none other 
than Costirabal, the governor’s spy ; under 
the brown mantle of the other, which was 
partly open, shone the cross of the order of 
Calatrava. 

See the excavation ; see the powder,” 
whispered Costirabal to his companion. 

The two visitors, unperceived, advanced a 
step farther, increasing their precautions 
and attentively examining the interior of 
the cave or cellar. 

Cannamares, who had glimpses of reason, 
understood that they were the agents of the 
governor’s police. Consulting only his own 
safety, he rose noiselessly, walked behind 
the strangers, gained the street, where he 
found neither guards nor soldiers, which 
astonished him not a little. He did not 
stop to listeli to the riotous sounds which 
proceeded from the vicinity of the palace 
of Ximenes. He went precipitately to the 
inn where he unsually remained, removed 
from the neck of his mule the collar of bells 
which habitually decorated him, mounted 
him and soon gained the country, congrat- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 1 97 

ulating himself upon being wiser than cer- 
tain men who treated him as a fool. 

Before the Jew and his companions, who 
were occupied in the disposal of the casks, 
thought of retiring, the two intruders, hav- 
ing critically examined everything, left as 
silently as they had entered. 

When they came to Baltasar’s house, 
instead of leaving they closed the door and 
climbed by a small staircase to an upper 
room, where ten armed men, as motionless 
as statues, awaited them. 

The Jew and his accomplices having 
finished their work, groped their way to 
the centre of the cavern. 

“ Now we will leave,” said Hermansor, 
and taking the lamp and several weapons he 
made Ben-Zohra and Soliman precede him ; 
at the entrance of the cave the Jew seized 
a match, and said : 

“ You notice that everything has been 
foreseen ; with this I can fire the powder 
when I please,” and a smile of triumph 
passed over his withered lips. 

I will stand by you,” declared the Mor- 
abite. 


198 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

I also,” added the negro, “ only I pray 
you to inform me of the moment when you 
propose to commence the dance.” 

“ Why ? ” Baltasar inquired. 

*‘That I may go outside to enjoy the 
effects of the explosion ! ” 

Having made this request, Soliman, who 
had taken copious libations during the day, 
extended himself full length on the floor of 
the cavern and slept profoundly. 

The Jew and Ben-Zohra crouched near the 
fuse, ready to apply the match the moment 
they learned that the insurgents had been 
checked in their attack. 

The disappearance of Cannamar^s excited 
no alarm ; the revelations of the fool could 
not be injurious, as no reliance would be 
placed upon his statements. 


XII. 

A DELIVERER. 

The position of Ximenes in his palace 
became more and more serious ; the crowd 
of insurgents hourly increased, and terrific 
cries arose from the immense multitude. 

The minister’s palace stood in the middle 
of the Albaicin, the heart of the revolt ; the 
whole city was in insurrection ; troops of 
peasants were coming from the mountains 
to join the rebels, and there was no hope of 
assistance. The Count de Tendilla might, 
perhaps, have succeeded in giving him aid, 
but the governor had scarcely sufficient 
forces to hold the Alhambra quarter. From 
the beginning of the revolt he had placed 
his garrison under arms, but he had only a 
small number of troops, and they were 
much weakened by detachments sent to 
199 


200 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


different points of the city or to the ram- 
parts. Count de Tendilla was compelled to 
limit himself to keeping the Moors in check 
and in protecting the environs of the citadel. 

He had, in truth, pointed his cannons on 
the city, but the darkness of the night pre- 
vented their use, and even in daylight, he 
could not order them to be fired, for fear 
that the balls might fall upon the minister’s 
palace, or the houses of the Spaniards. 

The situation was most difficult : the gov- 
ernor was greatly embarassed and Ximen^s 
in imminent danger. Nevertheless, the car- 
dinal organized everything around him for 
a vigorous resistance. He had the en- 
trances to the palace strongly barricaded, he 
armed the domestics, furnished projectiles 
by tearing up the pavements of the courts 
and the halls. 

The kitchens were transformed into arse- 
nals where balls were cast, oil boiled, and 
resin and other materials prepared to re- 
pulse the assailants. Ximenes directed 
these preparations in person, encouraged 
his servants, who were entirely devoted to 
him, because he was a good master and did 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


201 


not refuse when required, to work as well as 
to direct. 

Several tinmes the rebels, in deep masses, 
rushed upon the palace to begin the assault ; 
but they were so energetically received by 
the besieged, who hurled on them paving 
stones, flag-stones, pieces of marble, and boil- 
ing liquids, that they soon renounced this 
kind of attack. 

Retiring to some distance they deliberated 
on the means to be employed to obtain 
possession of the palace. 

They seemed to have come to a determi- 
nation, for an extraordinary activity soon 
reigned throughout their dense ranks, but 
darkness concealed their plans. 

This interval only augmented the terrors 
of the besieged, whose resources were being 
exhausted. They incessantly heard the 
clamors of their enemies, and their threats 
of death, and they no longer hoped to es- 
cape. 

Suddenly Ximen^s, who shared the 
anxiety and alarm of his followers, saw, ad- 
vancing toward him a Moor of imposing ap- 
pearance. The sight of the Moorish dress 


202 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


in his palace, startled him at first, and he 
thought the place had been forced ; but his 
unexpected visitor spoke, and the cardinal 
was reassured upon recognizing Zegri. 

“ Prince,” he exclaimed, “ what have you 
come to announce to me ? ” 

Knowing you to be in peril, I hastened 
to offer you my services.” 

“ Who admitted you into the palace? ” 

“ I came by a secret door which one of 
your servants opened at my request.” 

“ You see me in a wretched situation.” 

“ It is not desperate.” 

“ Do you not hear the cries of death that 
have resounded for some hours around my 
dwelling? Have you not seen the immense 
multitude that surround the wall of the en- 
closure and thirst for my blood ? . Who can 
preserve me from their unmerciful hands? ” 

“ With the aid of God, I will.” 

** Have you reflected on all the difficul- 
ties?” 

I do not deceive myself.” 

“ Do you not undertake an impossi- 
bility? ” 

“ I have succeeded in coming to you ; 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 203 

why should I not be as fortunate in return- 
ing? ” 

“ The Moors respect you, I have no doubt 
of that ; but for myself, I am aware of their 
inexorable hate, they know me too well.” 

“ I will save you, Sefior, I swear it,” re- 
plied Zegri, with animation. 

Prince, your noble devotion touches 
me, and I will ever remember it.” 

“ You consent to follow me ? ” 

“ I do not refuse ; but a disguise will be 
required.” 

“ I have thought of that ; dress yourself 
immediately, and let us leave.” 

“ What direction shall we take ? ” 

Some friends await us at the secret 
door through which I came. We will be 
favored by the darkness ; they will take us 
for a band of rebels and we will pass without 
peril, through the crowd.” 

‘‘ Where shall we go ? ” 

* To the Alhambra, which is not threat- 
ened. I notified the governor of my inten- 
tion before presenting myself to you ; once 
there, we have no longer anything to fear 
from the insurrection.” 


204 the moor of GRANADA. 

The minister hesitated a few moments, 
divided between the desire to escape from 
his infuriated enemies and the apprehension 
of exposing to danger the generous Moor 
who offered to save him and his faithful 
servants, left alone in the palace. At 
length the latter considerations decided 
him, and Ximenes answered : 

I thank you. Prince, from the bottom of 
my heart ; but I cannot accept your propo- 
sition.” 

“ What prevents you, Seftor?” 

‘‘ There would be no difficulty were there 
only question of my own safety, but remem- 
ber, should I be killed you share my fate.” 

‘‘ I have assured you that we run but 
slight risk.” 

“Admitting that my escape should he 
happily accomplished, could I pardon 
myself for leaving here my faithful fol- 
lowers? Has the pastor the right to 
abandon his troop to the popular fury?” 

“ If you persist you will assuredly perish 
in this palace.” 

“ I will die with my servants or I will save 
myself with them.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


205 


“Your life does not belong to yourself, 
you owe it to the State ; it is of so high a 
value that you cannot sacrifice it at your 
pleasure.” 

“ Zegri, do not seek to shake my deter- 
mination ; I will not lay aside my sacred 
vestments, nor leave my palace. I will die, 
if required, for my faith and for the service 
of my masters. Go, prudence demands it ; 
you destroy yourself in useless endeavors to 
save me.” 

“ I understand,” said the prince, “ the 
sentiments which inspire your conduct ; they 
are heroic ; and I cannot find fault with 
your resolution. But I have still confidence 
that you will avoid the fate in preparation 
for you, and I will strive to save you by 
other means than those I have just pro- 
posed.” 

“ Your efforts will be useless : our death 
is certain.” 

“Leave me free to act.” 

“No, no, I will not suffer you to expose 
your valuable life.” 

“ To reassure you, I declare to you that I 
have no intention of remaining here ; my 


2o6 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


arms, although still vigorous, would be of 
little assistance. I leave the palace to work 
for your deliverance. I do not count on the 
Alhambra garrison ; I have numerous 
friends. Nearly all the Morabites and fakirs 
who were instructed by you, have remained 
faithful to the law of Jesus Christ, and they 
will energetically aid me. Indeed, my con- 
version has not deprived me of all authority 
over the Moors, and I will use the credit 
that I possess, and I believe that I can exer- 
cise a considerable influence with the people.” 

“ Act then, Prince, as you choose,” said 
the archbishop, and may Almighty God 
bless your generous efforts.” 

Zegri, certain that he could leave the 
palace unmolested, bade adieu to the 
cardinal, and at once occupied himself in 
executing the plan that he had conceived. 

Ximenes’ defenders passed the remainder 
of the night in great alarm. The Moors 
did not renew the attack, but at break of 
day, the small garrison of the palace was 
terrified at the sight of the preparations in 
which the enemy had employed the preced- 
ing hours. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 20/ 

They had collected and placed before the 
gates of the palace an immense quantity of 
combustible materials, and the infidels were 
already approaching, waving the lighted 
torches with which they were about to inflame 
the piles they had heaped during the night. 

At this sight the minister’s followers 
uttered cries of terror and of anguish. 
Losing all self control, they threw down 
their weapons and ran like madmen through 
the palace. 

A confused murmur suddenly arose from 
the midst of the Moorish insurgents, who 
appeared to have met with some extraordi- 
nary obstacie. 

The defenders of the palace rushed to the 
loop-holes to discover what had happened, 
believing that the work of the incendiaries 
had commenced. 

A singular and imposing spectacle pre- 
sented itself : the torches were motionless 
in the hands of the men who held them, 
and every eye was turned towards Zegri, 
who was observed on horseback, magnifi- 
cently clothed, accompanied by his son and 
a retinue of friends and dependants, called 


208 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


hastily together. The Moorish prince had 
the air of a sovereign in the midst of this 
silent crowd, but a moment previous so 
tumultuous, such was the effect of his dig- 
nified bearing and the influence of his com- 
manding appearance. 

With a gesture he obtained silence, and 
the noise of the multitude was calmed as by 
enchantment, the most profound silence 
having succeeded to stormy clamors. 

Zegri then harangued the people in a 
clear, ringing voice, whose sonorous tones 
were heard at the palace of the cardinal. 
He represented to the insurgents the mis- 
fortunes to which they were exposing them- 
selves, and the evils they were drawing 
upon the city. 

“ The kings,” he added, “ were able to 
take possession of Granada, in spite of our 
efforts, when we were completely armed 
and were masters of the fortress and of the 
citadel. Do you believe that we are more 
powerful to resist them now? Your revolt 
is senseless ; behold the cannons of the 
Alhambra pointed on the city, and ready to 
destroy it. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 20g 

“ Reflect, listen to the voice of reason, do 
not reject the means of salvation that yet 
remain, and which I come to offer to 
you. 

“ To obtain pardon for your revolt, pre- 
serve the archbishop, do not attempt his 
life; let him be a sacred hostage in your 
keeping. I pledge myself to protect him in 
his palace, and I will answer for him with 
my head.’* 

Zegri’s influence over the Moors was still 
so great, and his eloquence exercised such a 
fascination, that no one replied. 

The prince judged that the time had come 
to execute his design, and feeling confident 
that none would resist, he ordered the in- 
surgents to remove the combustibles heaped 
against the palace walls. 

They silently obeyed. 

Disperse now,” commanded Zegri, “ and 
return to your own homes.” 

The crowd again obeyed without a mur- 
mur, yielding to the ascendancy of one 
man. 

The prince next presented himself before 
the gates of the palace and was received by 
14 


210 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


Ximen^s with lively expressions of grati- 
tude ; he embraced him again and again, 
and sh^d tears of tenderness when calling 
him his saviour and liberator. 

You are to-day King of Granada, and 
you have proved that you merit a crown.’' 

After a short interview, Zegri left the 
palace. As he was crossing the threshold 
he heard a smothered noise and the earth 
trembled slightly. 

That was all: the Jew’s mine had suc- 
ceeded no better than the insurrection of 
the populace. 

For a short time the city was in an 
agitated state, but the Morabites and the 
fakirs who had become Christians, neglected 
nothing to tranquillize the people. Their 
efforts restored order, and at the expiration 
of ten days all had resumed their usual 
duties. 

But for the intervention and devotedness 
of Zegri this terrible insurrection would, 
probably, have triumphed, and the Moorish 
Kingdom of Granada would have been 
again established. 

The co-operation of Zegri with the minis- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


2 


ter was heroic, as, in spite of his conversion 
to Christianity, had the revolt succeeded, 
Zegri would have been elevated to supreme 
power. 


XIII. 

THE NEGRO COURIER. 

XlMENES only escaped one danger to fall 
into another, the consequences of which 
might have been very serious. 

The minister had numerous enemies ; his 
genius, his rank, the eminent position 
which he occupied, and, most of all, his in- 
fluence in the councils of his sovereigns, had 
f created envy and jealousy among the crowd 
of courtiers who always surround the great 
and powerful. 

Ximen^s had enemies everywhere, far 
and near ; and they had many opportunities 
of injuring him, as he was absent from the 
court whilst they attached themselves to 
the king and queen. 

The revolt of Granada, following after the 
visit of Ferdinand and Isabella to the city, 
212 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


213 


was unfortunate for the credit of the minis- 
ter. He was aware that there were many 
eager to seize this occasion to decry and 
abuse his measures. It was, therefore, of 
the greatest importance to him to prevent 
unfavorable accounts being presented to 
the sovereigns. 

The second day after the suppression of 
the rebellion, Ximen^s turned his attention 
to finding a swift courier to^arry his let- 
ters to Seville, at that time the residence 
of the court. 

Seville is more than sixty leagues from 
Granada, and as high mountains intervened 
a swift-footed runner and one accustomed 
to climb rocks was preferable for the cardi- 
nal’s mission, to a good cavalier. The min- 
ister had reason to believe that his enemies 
had anticipated him ; it was all important 
to him to despatch a man capable of over- 
taking these hostile messengers; this was 
very difficult. 

Ximen^s confided his embarrassment to 
Zegri, who, from a friend, had become his 
intimate adviser. 

“ I know a man,” said the prince, “who 


214 the moor of GRANADA. 

would be admirably suited for this af- 
fair.'’ 

“ Who is he?” 

“A negro, named Soliman: he enjoys a 
well merited reputation as a swift runner ; 
if you are willing to make use of him, I am 
convinced that he would carry your letters 
to Seville in three days.” 

“ I will adopt your suggestion, although I 
never heard-of so wonderful swiftness.” 

“ I do not exaggerate, as you may be con- 
vinced by trying him.” 

“ I will employ this man on your recom- 
mendation.” 

“ In that case I will go seek him.” 

“ Do not take that trouble,” said the car- 
dinal, smiling, “ I have the negro at hand.” 

The minister explained to the prince, that 
Soliman had been surprised with the Jew 
and Ben-Zohra in the excavation. 

In fact, at the time when the rebels were 
heaping inflammable materials around the 
palace, the negro was asleep in the cave of 
Baltasar, whilst this latter individual and 
the Morabite watched near the match des- 
tined to set fire to the powder. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 21$ 

Hermansor and his friend were informed in 
the morning of what had transpired outside, 
and now resolved to execute their wicked 
design. The Jew did not even awaken Soli- 
man, but fired the match, which was rapidly 
consumed. The flame ran along the earth- 
ern walls of the cave and the two accom- 
plices followed it awhile with their eye, 
and when it ceased to be visible, they 
waited breathlessly, but no explosion took 
place. 

Baltasar ventured anxiously into the 
gallery and discovered that the match was 
extinct. It had been cut, undoubtedly, by 
Costirabal, during his visit to the cave. 

The Jew, furious with rage, returned to 
Ben-Zohra and said in a hoarse voice : 

The match does not burn, time presses. 
Adieu ! you will relate to our brethren .my 
sacrifice for the triumph of Islam.*’ 

He pressed the Morabite’s hand, rushed 
with his lamp to the casks of powder and 
quickly overturned the lamp in one of them ; 
it produced a great flame, mingled with a 
thick smoke, which filled the rotunda ; an 
explosion was heard, but caused only the 


2i6 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


feeble commotion noticed by Zegri on leav- 
ing the palace of Ximenes. 

Hermansor, however, congratulated him- 
self that he still possessed fifteen casks of 
powder, a quantity more than sufficient to 
destroy not only the minister’s palace, but 
half of the Albai'cin. 

But the powder proved worthless, and 
thus this frightful attempt was unsuccessful. 
Costirabal, Count de Tendilla’s skilful agent 
having discovered the Jew’s project, never 
lost sight of him for a moment and watched 
all his proceedings. He called on the mer- 
chant of whom Baltasar made his pur- 
chases, and ordered him to sell the powder 
adulterated with a large quantity of char- 
coal. After he had taken these precautions, 
Costirabal allowed the Jew to continue his 
excavations unmolested. As we have re- 
lated, Costirabal with one officer of the 
governor and ten soldiers, entered Herman- 
sor’s house the night of the rebellion, ex- 
pecting to surprise him and his accomplices 
in a criminal act. The spy did not wish to 
stop Baltasar’s work, or prevent the at- 
tempted explosion, because he hoped by 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 21/ 

seizing his associates, to penetrate by 
means of their confession the secrets of the 
conspiracy. We know that the Jew acted 
alone, and consequently he could not throw 
any light on the plot. 

The concussion produced by the powder 
only threw down Baltasar and a little earth 
in the rotunda ; Soliman was awakened by 
it, and the Morabite, with great precaution 
penetrated to the excavation, amazed at the 
weakness of the detonation and anxious to 
know the result. He found Hermansor a 
prey to horrible suffering, as his body was 
partly burned. 

Ben-Zohra and Soliman were carrying 
him to his dwelling, when they suddenly let 
their burden fall and with a cry of terror 
fled back to the rotunda. Costirabal, the 
officer, and the soldiers had descended when 
they heard the noise of the explosion in 
order to cut off the retreat of the accom- 
plices, and they had stationed themselves at 
the entrance of the subterranean passage. 
At the command of their offlcer the soldiers 
seized the Morabite and the Jew, but Soli- 
man made a desperate resistance. The con- 


2i8 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


spirators were put in irons and thrown into 
prison. The negro had passed two days 
groaning in confinement, bitterly bemoaning 
his imprudence, and denouncing the Jew, 
when he was carried before Ximenes. The 
wretch expected to hear his death sentence 
and trembled in every limb. 

The cardinal received him with a threat- 
ening look, and said in a harsh voice : 

“ Do you know that you deserve death ? ” 

“ I know it,” blubbered Soliman. 

“You have been engaged in a crime 
which, if not frustrated, would have taken 
the life of thousands of human beings and 
have destroyed half of Granada.” 

“ They deceived me.” 

“ Make no excuse ; that is impossible.” 

The negro was silent and his terror re- 
doubled. 

“ If I pardon you,” added the minister, 
“ would you be grateful ? ” 

“ I would spend my life in serving you,” 
murmured Soliman, to whom these words 
gave a ray of hope. 

“ I am informed that you are remarkably 
swift-footed.” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. . 2ig 

“That is true, Sefior, and I challenge 
any one to equal me.” 

“It is now required of you not only to 
equal but to surpass all others.” 

“ Were they twenty leagues in advance I 
would overtake them.” 

“ I will release you from punishment, 
and in return I demand of you to take 
letters to Seville. Is that requiring too 
much?” 

“Ah! my lord!” .... 

“ How long will it take you to make this 
journey? ” 

“ Two days will suffice.” 

“ I will give you three ; and, moreover, you 
may have until to-morrow morning to rest.” 

“ You are, my lord, the best of masters.” 

“ Take these letters, and remember they 
are of the highest importance. Here is a 
passport that will give access to their 
Majesties. Here are one hundred gold 
crowns and you shall have two hundred 
more when you return.” 

The negro was transported with joy at 
this wonderful change of fortune, and he 
could not express his gratitude. He pros- 


220 . THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


trated himself before the cardinal and 
promised that he would become a Chris- 
tian. 

Soliman commenced his journey the fol- 
lowing morning, as he had been ordered, 
placing carefully in his bosom the letters 
and his gold, and carrying in each hand a 
ball of amber. He scarcely stopped to 
refresh himself, and ran with such rapidity 
that he made thirty leagues the first day, 
nearly half the journey between Granada 
and Seville. 

This would assuredly appear incredible if 
we had not the testimony of history ; and 
the best annalists of the period have reg- 
gistered the feats of this famous African 
runner. The greater number of them relate 
that thirty leagues at a time was nothing 
extraordinary for Soliman, but simply an 
habitual walk. 

The negro judged it proper to repose at 
Carusetta, a large village, situated at the 
foot of the Sierras, and four leagues from the 
city of Estepa. He selected an inn of good 
appearance, made an excellent supper; 
called for the best chamber, soon fell asleep. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


221 


resolving to finish his journey on the follow- 
ing day. 

He was awakened in the morning by the 
noise of a dozen small bells, fastened to the 
neck of a mule, which a traveller was lead- 
ing into the inn yard. Soliman leaping from 
his bed, ran to the window and to his sur- 
prise, recognized his friend Cannamar^s ! 

The fool had never stopped a day since 
he left Hermansor’s excavation. He greatly 
feared the agents of Count de Tendilla and 
imagined they were pursuing him. It had 
taken him three days to reach Carusetta, 
and man and beast were both exhausted. 

The negro descended to the court as 
soon as he could throw on his light gar- 
ments and embracing Cannamar^s, he cried : 

“ How lucky, dear friend, to see you 
again ! But how fatigued you are ! Come 
with me and I will recruit your strength.” 

Drawing the fool into the large hall of 
the inn, he directed the landlord to furnish 
a most abundant repast and several flasks of 
wine. 

The two boon companions emulated each 
other in eating and drinking. 


222 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


“ Would you believe,” inquired the negro, 
“that I am on the road to fortune.^” 

“ Impossible.” 

“ It is true.” 

He recounted at length his last adven- 
tures, and told how Ximen^s, instead of 
condemning him to death, had given him a 
hundred golden crowns. 

“ That,” he added, “is not all.” 

Cannamar^s was at first displeased with 
Soliman for serving the usurpers of his 
kingdom, but it was not long before the 
fumes of the wine dissipated these inoppor- 
tune thoughts. 

As the day advanced, the negro, from 
time to time uneasily regarded the sun. 

“Are you going to leave?” asked the 
lunatic. 

“ It would be the wisest course ; how- 
ever, I have two days to spare.” 

The two friends continued to drink, and 
ended by rolling under the table ; thus the 
day passed, and the negro did not recover 
his senses until the next morning. He paid 
the bill, and travelled in company with Can- 
namar^s, towards Estepa. He renewed the 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 223 

orgies of the previous evening in this city 
and was obliged to sleep there. Thh time 
fixed by Ximen^s for him to reach Seville 
had passed ; he had spent fifty pieces of 
gold, and on leaving Estepa he found that' 
he had been robbed of the fifty crowns 
remaining. Being unwilling to separate 
from Cannamar^s, he took two days to 
journey to a town within twenty leagues of 
Seville. 

He said to Cannamares : 

“ Friend, I am late ; I must leave you 
here, and I will soon rejoin you.” 

Separated from his troublesome compan- 
ion, he travelled with all possible diligence 
and reached Seville so late in the evening, 
that he could not present himself at the 
palace until the next morning, the sixth day 
after leaving Granada. 

The enemies of Ximen^s had expedited 
their couriers, who, though less active were 
wiser than Soliman. The sovereigns had 
already received letters from Granada. 
The most moderate were expressed in these 
words : 

“ The intemperate rigors and the deplor- 


224 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

able administration of Ximenes have pushed 
the Moors to extremities. A great revolt 
has occurred ; the Granadians are masters of 
the Alhambra, have driven from the city all 
the Christians, and the rest of the kingdom 
prepares to follow this example.” 

It is easy to judge with what anger and 
indignation the sovereigns received the car- 
dinal’s message. 

Soliman did not await the answer ; he 
could readily divine that the effects of his 
conduct were very unfortunate, that the 
credit of the minister was seriously compro- 
mised and his own fortune ruined. 

He rejoined Cannamares much sooner 
than he anticipated, and left Seville imme- 
diately, but was careful not to return to 
Granada. 


XIV. 

XIMENES. 

The negro was not mistaken ; Ferdinand 
and Isabella were greatly displeased with 
Ximenes. He received a letter from the 
queen, reproaching him for not having 
informed her in time of these serious dis- 
turbances. Ximenes perfectly understood 
that he was losing credit with the sovereigns 
and that his enemies were triumphant. He, 
therefore, sent to the court at Seville the 
cordelier, Hamar, the elder son of Zegri, in 
whom he placed great reliance. 

Hamar had the happiness to inspire the 
king and queen with confidence in the truth 
of the detailed account which he gave of 
the events which had occurred in Granada. 

The cardinal soon arrived, and his presence 
produced a great effect on the court and on 
IS 225 


226 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


their Majesties. The genius and noble 
character of Ximen^s was impressed on his 
countenance and person. The fidelity of 
the portrait which historians have given of 
him cannot be doubted. 

He was a man of vigorous constitution, 
tall, straight and graceful ; his body was 
finely proportioned, his voice strong and 
agreeable, his walk firm and dignified ; he 
had a long and rather thin face, a broad 
forehead, unwrinkled even in old age, eyes, 
small and deep set, a long aquiline nose, 
and fine teeth. 

Ximenes enjoyed health so perfect that it 
was proof against the labor of body and 
constant mental work. His great and 
elevated soul was capable of all good ; no 
consideration whatever could induce him to 
dissimulate, and he was such an enemy to 
injustice that when he had the means, he 
never failed to punish it. His prudence and 
penetration were remarkable, and when he 
advised or supported a measure there were 
no obstacles which he was not prepared to 
overcome, nor expedients which he could 
not devise to ensure its success. In con- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


227 


sequence of his pre-eminence in the councils 
of Spain they were esteemed the most able 
in Europe. 

He was slow in deciding, but extremely 
prompt in execution. He was liberal with- 
out display, learned without affectation, and 
exact in keeping a promise. He loved to 
protect good men and men of letters and 
genius ; he possessed humble piety and 
fervent zeal for religion. 

We must, however, acknowledge that 
these brilliant qualities, as is the case with 
all men, were accompanied with defects. 
There may be attributed to him some 
degree of pride, severity and ambition : he 
sometimes fell into a deep melancholy from 
too great attachment to his own views, and 
became a burthen to himself and others. 

His simplicity of life was extraordinary. 
In 1495, whilst he was confessor to the 
queen, he occupied in the palace a plain 
apartment without even hangings : in winter 
as in summer his furniture consisted of a 
table without covering, two chairs, a bed 
made of three planks, a pallet, without 
pillows or covering; he used no linen. 


228 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


always wore the habit of his order, which 
he did not remove even at night. Apart 
from his austere fasts, his meal was made 
of one dish of ordinary food. Occasionally 
he used a mule, but generally his journeys 
were made on foot. He possessed neither 
house, equipage nor retinue. 

Ximenes led this life during some years ; 
but when he was promoted to the arch- 
bishopric of Toledo and elevated to the 
cardinalate, he was compelled to yield to 
the exhortations of the Sovereign Pontiff 
and the king, and to change his habits. 

' A man of such character was a treasure, 
and his influence over his sovereigns was 
not entirely lost ; the imputations of his 
enemies had only momentarily shaken 
their confidence, and the presence of 
Ximenes at the court soon perfected what 
Hamar had so well commenced ; he put an 
end to the cabal and enjoyed a greater 
favor than ever. He promptly returned to 
Granada, after having concerted with Fer- 
dinand and Isabella the best measures to be 
pursued. 

He was received in Granada with a joy 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 229 

mingled with solicitude. He gave audience 
to the deputies of the city, reassured them, 
declared to them that they were granted 
amnesty, but wished them to understand that 
this would not be extended to the inhabi- 
tants of the Albaicin quarter, and that the 
latter must not expect the same indulgence. 

Afterwards he caused it to be proclaimed 
throughout the city that the king granted 
full and entire pardon to the people, upon 
the condition that they would be faithful in 
future. 

This proclamation filled the multitude 
with inexpressible joy, and for several days 
nothing was heard of but festivities ; 
Ximen^s alone was the subject of conversa- 
tion, and the Moors called him the liberator 
of their country. 

The Albaicin was the exception. The 
inhabitants of this quarter remarked with 
terror that they were not comprised in the 
amnesty ; at the least signal from Ximen^s, 
they saw that every city of Granada was 
ready to march against them ; they per- 
ceived certain suspicious movements in the 
garrison, and the cannons of the Alhambra 


230 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

pointed in their direction. The consterna- 
tion hourly augmented ; the most culpable 
tried to escape, but outside of the walls 
they met small bodies of cavalry guarding 
the roads, and they were forced to return. 
Terror was at its height. 

Ximen^s one day abruptly sent for the 
prominent persons of the Albaicin quarter ; 
in obedience to the orders of the minister 
they went to the palace. In the saloons and 
ante-rooms they met the officers of the gar- 
rison, who, contrary to their usual custom, 
showed them no courtesy. At the entrance 
of the cardinal’s apartment they were com- 
manded to leave their swords and pon- 
iards. 

Ximen^s was alone with the Archbishop 
of Granada and the Count de Tendilla. 

The minister received the Albaicin chiefs 
with a severe countenance, reproached them 
with their revolt in the strongest terms, and 
announced to them that the king and queen 
had committed their fate into his hands, and 
that he was empowered to punish them 
according to the enormity of their offences. 

As the minister ended he turned to the 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 23 1 

Archbishop of Granada and solicited his 
advice. 

The prelate, instead of deciding against 
the guilty, entreated their pardon in touch- 
ing terms, the more touching as he was the 
most charitable of men and spoke from the 
abundance of his heart. 

The governor, who acted in concert with 
the holy prelate, expressed the same senti- 
ments. 

Ximen^s, apparently unable to resist 
so powerful intercession, declared to the 
Albaicin leaders that he would pardon them 
in the name of their Catholic Majesties, 
provided that all the inhabitants of the 
quarter would consent to receive instruc- 
tions in the Christian religion. He could no 
longer tolerate, he said, these perpetual hos- 
tilities in Granada ; the inhabitants oug.ht 
to be of one faith. Should these conditions 
not please the Moors, they could leave the 
country. 

The chiefs of the guilty quarter and the 
people, who expected only the greatest 
severity, accepted joyfully and gratefully the 
cardinal’s proposition. The results were so 


232 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

favorable that the minister called this his 
greatest conquest. 

In a short time^all the Albaicin quarter 
embraced Christianity, The other Mussul- 
mans of the city, impressed by this great 
change gradually renounced the Koran and 
ranged themselves under the banner of 
Christ. Ben-Zohra, the fanatical Morabite, 
remained in prison, but at length recognized 
the truth, and his conversion was as solid 
as his blindness had been culpable. He 
begged to be instructed, but Ximenes, 
thinking that the request proceeded from 
fear of punishment resolved to test his 
sincerity. He declared that notwithstanding 
his conversion he would not pardon him, 
Ben-Zohra persisted and demanded baptism, 
which he received and at the same time his 
pardon, and he immediately entered an 
austere religious order. 

Zulphi professed to be repentant, but the 
cardinal considered the dervish a hypocrite 
and expelled him from Granada. The 
wretch returned at once to Islamism and 
took refuge in the mountains. 

The fate of Baltasar Hermansor was 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


233 


most sad. The explosion caused a deep 
wound in his hip ; he was taken to a hos- 
pital and placed under the charge of 
Mohammed-Hassan. 

At the sight of the physician of Badajoz a 
diabolical smile crossed the Jew’s lips. 

“I meet you again, Hassan, he said, press- 
ing his hand. “ You know now how far I 
was a Christian.” 

The old man sighed, but did not reply. 
He employed all the resources of his art to 
cure Hermansor, and almost restored his 
health but he never felicitated him on 
the desperate game that he attempted, or 
upon his fidelity to Mohammedanism, be- 
cause Hassan was himself preparing to pro- 
fess Christianity. He had been induced by 
the virtuous examples of Zegri, of Boabdilla 
and Amara to study the doctrines of Christ, 
and he made his recantation at the same time 
as Merwan ; the two received baptism from 
the hands of Hamar. 

The day on which Hassan inscribed his 
name on the list of the glorious children of 
the Catholic Church, he learned that his old 
companion and co-disciple in the schools of 


234 the moor of GRANADA. 

Hammomet the Jew, Baltasar Hermansor, 
was dead. The fanatic, on the eve of his 
trial, hung himself in his prison. 


XV. 


IN THE ALPUXARRAS. 

Amara and Boabdilla were in Granada 
whilst the events we have just related were 
occurring; and in the midst of these troubles 
they were incessantly occupied in the exer- 
cise of heroic virtues. 

Detained by circumstances in the city, 
they holily employed their time in works of 
charity. The delicate health of Amara 
imperiously required a change of abode. 
Her fragile constitution could not long 
endure the burning skies of Granada. 

Zegri watched over the young girl with 
paternal solicitude, and determined to profit 
by the peace that now reigned throughout 
the kingdom to take Amara to the mountains, 

For the third time the Moorish prince 
renewed his preparations for this journey. 

23S 


236 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

Amara and Boabdilla were to be accom- 
panied by Inez, a daughter of Count de 
Aguilar, who was as lovely in character as 
she was beautiful in person, and worthy of 
the friendship of the daughter and ward of 
Zegri. 

Merwan and Hassan proposed to escort 
the young girls as far as Pulchena, where 
they would await the prince, who would be 
detained same time longer in Granada by 
public affairs. 

On the appointed day the band met in 
the court of Zegri’s palace. Three superb 
litters were ready for Amara, Boabdilla and 
Inez. Merwan and Hassan, magnificently 
attired, bearing splendid arms, were 
mounted on richly caparisoned Andalusian 
horses. Two hundred cavaliers, principally 
belonging to noble Moorish and Spanish 
families, composed the retinue of the 
travellers. Three hundred men servants 
and one hundred women followed. The 
escort comprised more than six hundred 
persons. 

Zegri, Hamar, Count d’Aguilar and his 
family came to say farewell to the friends 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


237 


who were leaving. The count involuntarily- 
shuddered as he pressed his daughter to his 
heart. 

It will be a pleasant journey, father,” 
Inez said. “ And my absence will be 
short.” 

“ Who knows what may happen ? ” mur- 
mured the noble Spaniard. 

Zegri was equally agitated by sombre pre- 
sentiments, and he struggled against them 
in vain. 

Merwan gave the signal for departure. 
The troop arranged themselves in order, 
the servants in advance. 

When Merwan passed under the doorway 
of the palace, his lance struck against the 
arch and was broken. Zegri’s countenance 
became clouded, his eye had a troubled 
expression and he murmured : 

“ That is a bad omen.” 

Hamar heard him and answered the 
remark. 

Father,” he said, “all things are in the 
hands of God.” 

“ God sometimes manifests His will to us 
by certain signs.” 


238 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

Never by those vulgar accidents to 
which superstition attaches an importance 
they should not have.” 

“Listen to me,” replied the Moorish 
prince, whose spirit was still somewhat im- 
bued with Moslem prejudices ; “ when the 
unfortunate Boabdil left Granada to under- 
take the fatal campaign in which he was 
made prisoner, the lance of the great stan- 
dard was broken against the arch of the city 
gate ; it was a presage of misfortune.” 

“ Be assured, father, what has just hap- 
pened to my brother will have no influence 
over his destinies.” 

“ God forbid ! ” 

“ He, undoubtedly, disposes according to 
His will of the lives of men ; but He does 
not reveal His designs by these omens that 
chance may possibly realize, but which it 
generally belies. Rather fear that God 
might punish such vain observances.” 

Zegri made no reply, but he ordered 
another hundred cavaliers to join the troop 
and conducted them himself beyond the 
walls of the city. 

The large and brilliant cavalcade, led by 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 239 

Merwan, followed through the country the 
winding course of the Daro. 

The travellers were about two leagues 
from Granada when a deer emerged from a 
thicket by the banks of the river and ran 
slowly twenty paces in advance of the troop ; 
three hundred arrows, two hundred arque- 
buses were aimed at him at once. The 
most awkward huntsman could not have 
failed to wound the animal at the first shot, 
but not an arrow or a ball struck him ; 
a murmur of astonishment arose from the 
men of the cavalcade, and they looked at 
each other with a kind of terror. The deer 
continued his course without appearing to 
be the least frightened by the whistling of 
the bullets. The cavaliers reloaded their 
weapons, and some fired a second time, but 
the animal did not deign even a startled 
movement, and disappeared unharmed in a 
thicket. 

There was a long silence ; then a Mus- 
sulman said: “The hand of fate is upon 

I 

US ! 

“My father was right,'’ added Merwan, 
whose spirit was not entirely freed from 


240 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

the superstitious beliefs of Islamism ; “ fatal 
omens pursue us; some evil will happen.” 

“The same thing occurred to Boabdil,” 
remarked Hassan ; “ that prince was follow 
ing the banks of the torrent of the Veyro, 
when a fox suddenly appeared and passed 
not more them fifty paces in front of the 
army. Thousands and thousands of darts 
flew towards him, but the animal remained 
untouched. This augured badly for the 
campaign, which was, in fact, most dis- 
astrous for Boabdil.” 

No one commented on these words, and 
the journey was pursued in gloomy silence. 
The three young girls, who had seen and 
heard everything from their litters, partici- 
pated in the general sadness, although they 
were not infected with common superstition. 

The cavalcade journeyed for three days, 
a prey to despondency and momentarily 
expecting some unknown and mysterious 
danger. 

To arrive at Pulchena, a small village in 
the neighborhood of Zegri’s domain, it 
was necessary to pass nearly through the 
whole chain of the Alpuxarras. After a pain- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 24 1 

ful march of five days, the travellers came 
to a long, narrow defile, winding across 
peaks and broken rocks ; they halted some 
hours to refresh themselves before entering 
this pass ; then the band re-formed in good 
order and recommenced the journey. The 
day was disagreeable, and when evening came 
they were three hours distant from the out- 
let of the pass. The cavaliers hastened to 
profit by the last declining rays of light to 
arrive at the resting place where they pro- 
posed to pass the night. They suddenly 
heard a strange whistling in the distance ; 
this was followed by long shouts, which 
reverberated along the heights of the 
mountains, and awoke the innumerable 
echos of this wild solitude. By degrees the 
tumult became so frightful, that it might 
have been taken for a convulsion of nature. 

The cavalcade stopped, stupefied ; and 
the cavaliers saw with terror on the sum- 
mits of the mountains overhanging the 
defile thousands of armed mountaineers, who 
threatened them by voice and gesture. 
They comprehended at a glance that they 
had fallen into the hands of the peasants, 
16 


242 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

recently roused to revolt, and that escape 
was impossible. 

Each in agony turned to Merwan to 
receive orders. Zegri’s son in this pressing 
danger preserved his coolness and admira- 
ble self-possession ; he directed the men to 
form in an elongated circle, to place the 
litters in the centre, and to proceed in good 
order, sheltering themselves as far as 
practicable. This manoeuvre was rapidly 
executed, and the troop slowly advanced. 
They attained a spot where the defile 
enlarged, but only again to close abruptly. 

Merwan commanded a halt, as it was im- 
possible to proceed without being com- 
pletely crushed by the stones which were 
thrown from the crests of the mountains, 
and as night approached, the number of 
enemies increased. According to the orders 
of their chief the cavaliers stopped and a 
mournful silence prevailed. Merwan, seeing 
his men placed as he desired, approached 
the litters. The young girls trembled with 
terror, and Amara was deathly pale. 

“ We shall perish,” said Boabdilla. 

Do not alarmed,” replied Merwan, who 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 243 

forced himself to inspire his companions 
with a confidence which he did not partake ; 
“nothing is desperate.” 

“ But the attitude of these mountaineers is 
hostile.” 

“ Undoubtedly ; however, there is nothing 
to prove that it is for us they are watching.” 

“ They have already assailed us with 
stones.” 

“ I think they will permit us to pursue 
our route undisturbed when they discover 
that our intentions are pacific.” 

Boabdilla sighed, and Amara was not 
reassured. 

The travellers passed the night under 
arms and in the same position they had 
assumed in the evening. Full of solicitude 
they awaited the return of daylight. 

The heights of the mountains were illumi- 
nated during the night by fires built by the 
peasants, who, at intervals, renewed their 
terrific cries. 

The dawn at length opened, and seemed 
to be the enemy’s signal for attack ; they 
rushed from the mountain sides with savage 
yells upon the cavaliers, who pressed closer 


244 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


together on their approach. The shock was 
terrible : the mountaineers were at least 
three thousand, against six hundred oppos- 
nents and they had, besides, the advantage 
of position. 

The combat was furious and it presented 
a terrible spectacle during the hour it lasted. 

Merwan’s cavaliers, indignant at this 
cowardly ambush defended themselves with 
the rage of despair. They were almost all 
wounded, one after the other ; but they sold 
their lives dearly. 

The servants shared the same fate, after 
having made a valiant resistance. 

There seemed to have been some order 
given for the protection of the women : they 
were unharmed. Merwan, standing with his 
back to their litters, combated with heroic 
courage. 

Zegri’s son'was assailed by a man of lofty 
stature, whose black eyes flashed like light- 
ning, and whose blood-stained sabre attested 
the part that he had taken in the engage- 
ment. 

Merwan recognized him at once, although 
he had not seen him for seven years. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 245 

“ Feri de Benastepar,” he murmured, ** is 
it possible that you have laid for us this 
infamous snare ? ” 

“ I come to acquit the debt of vengeance 
that I have contracted with your father.” 

“ What are you saying? I do not under- 
stand.” 

Your father will understand, and that 
will answer,” replied Feri, in a gloomy tone. 

As he advanced to the young man, the 
astonished Merwan inquired : 

“ What evil have I ever done you ? ” 

“ Do you dare to ask that? ” 

“ Are not my father and myself the pro- 
tectors of your daughter? For seven years, 
Amara has been sheltered at our hearth and 
received from us the most respectful 
attentions. Is it for these acts that you 
would punish Zegri ? ” 

“He has violated his solemn pledge to 
me.” 

Feri pointed his sword at Merwan’s 
breast, whose stupefaction was so great that 
he neglected to guard himself. 

When Amara heard ner father’s name, 
she attempted to leave her litter, and 


246 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

Boabdilla would have followed her example, 
but the two girls, terrified at the bloody 
scene which they witnessed, had not strength 
to move. 

Feri’s daughter uttered a cry of anguish 
which made the old Moor tremble, and 
increased the paroxysm of his fury. He 
plunged his sabre into Merwan’s breast, who 
fell, mortally wounded. 

Amara and Boabdilla fainted at the sight. 

Inez lay inanimate upon the cushions of 
her litter. 

The combat was over. All the men who 
accompanied the young girls had been 
either massacred or taken prisoners. Feri 
ordered his troop to take possession of the 
three litters. 

Hassan had never left the young girls, and 
had bravely defended them as far as his 
strength would allow. Feri de Benastepar 
was going to kill the physician of Badajoz ; 
but he suddenly withheld his arm and 
demanded of the old man : 

“ Are you Mohammed-Hassan ? ” 

Yes, your daughter’s ph5'‘sician.” 

Fear nothing ; I give you life, because 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 247 

I know that your cares saved Amara and 
they are still necessary to her ; you will 
accompany her to the place whither I am 
going to convey her.” 

Hassan did not reply ; he could but yield 
to the stronger power. He suppressed his 
grief for the death of Merwan, and reflected 
that he could still be useful to the three 
young friends who had so unfortunately 
fallen into the power of the most fanatic 
of Mussulmans. 


XVI. 

ALHAMA. 

On the morrow of this fatal day the 
great standard of the prophet, surmounted 
by the crescent, floated over the most 
elevated peak of the mountains of Alpu- 
xarras ; the mountaineers came from all parts 
to range themselves under the flag of 
rebellion, and to take the oath upon the 
pages of the Koran, to combat and to die in 
order to recover their independence. 

Such enthusiasm had never before been 
seen ; the peasants rushed by thousands, 
almost without weapons, offering their lives 
for the holy warfare. As they arrived they 
were received by Feri de Benastepar, who 
assigned them their rank in his troop. The 
old exile had himself given the signal for 
insurrection the previous evening. He 
248 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 249 

had by his intrigues provoked the last revolt 
in Granada. Animated by blind rage, he re- 
commenced in the mountains the furious 
and implacable war which he, heretofore, 
had carried on against the Spaniards under 
the Moorish kings. 

The terrible chief was soon at the head 
of forces numerous enough to take the field 
and attack the cities occupied by Chris- 
tians. 

He counted upon bringing the rebellion 
to a happy issue about the winter 1499- 
1500, relying upon the difficulties of the 
passage across the mountains ; difficulties 
so great that a small force could stop entire 
armies. 

Feri’s confidence in these obstacles, which 
to him appeared invincible, and above all, 
his hatred to Zegri and Count d’Aguilar 
urged the chief to declare himself pre- 
maturely, before his measures were well 
arranged. At his instigation the revolt, 
which he had directed from his African 
exile, suddenly burst forth. 

In another point of view the hour chosen 
appeared to him propitious ; the Spanish 


250 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

government believed the insurrection had 
been completely suppressed by the submis- 
sion of Granada, and had, in consequence, 
recalled the great Gonzales from his com- 
mand in Alpuxarras. 

Count d’Aguilar replaced the illustrious 
captain. This nobleman, grievously afflicted 
at the loss of his daughter, who was captured 
with Amara and Boabdilla, precipitated his 
preparations of departure with the hope of 
surprising the enemy and delivering Inez. 
Zegri, who was not less distressed, sent to 
the count a certain number of soldiers 
armed at his own expense. 

Alfonso d’Aguilar promptly took the 
field at the head of two small corps confided 
to him by King Ferdinand. Obeying the 
king’s orders, he entered the mountains by 
the most difficult and least accessible 
passes, and which would naturally be the 
least guarded. 

Ferdinand, on his part, marched with the 
militia of the country and some regular 
troops. The king chose the road which the 
Moors expected him to take ; it was the best, 
and they thought that the struggle would 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 2$ I 

be concentrated there. Nearly all the sol- 
diers were employed defending this passage. 

But Ferdinand did not depend on the 
militia for such an enterprise ; he only 
designed to amuse the enemy until the 
troops of Count d’Aguilar were prepared to 
attack the Moors in the rear. He there- 
fore remained several days inactive in 
his intrenchments, to the great surprise of 
the infidels, who could not divine the 
motive of the halt. 

In the evening the heights behind the 
rebels were illuminated with fires. Fer- 
dinand gave a joyful exclamation ; these 
fires were the signals agreed upon between 
himself and Count d’Aguilar. At break of 
day the royal troops left their lines and 
placed themselves in battle array. Count 
d’Aguilar had already commenced his 
attack in the rear upon the Moors. . 

This unexpected assault threw the infidels 
into great consternation. The count, prof- 
ing by their stupor, advanced his forces 
rapidly and threw them into disorder. In 
the meantime, the king attacked the rebels 
in front. 


252 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

In Spite of Feri’s desperate efforts, the 
Mussulmans threw* down their arms and 
took to flight ; but hemmed in as they were, 
between two armies, retreat was impossible, 
and the greater number submitted. 

Feri de Benastepar escaped with great 
difficulty with a few cavaliers. 

Count d’Aguilar penetrated farther into 
the mountains, not so much to give chase to 
the fugitives as to release the prisoners who 
he rightly supposed had been carried away 
by Feri. Alfonso rapidly conducted this 
expedition, took possession of all the 
important places, obliging the inhabitants 
themselves to destroy the walls. He sent 
the principal personages of the city as 
prisoners to Ferdinand, in order that they 
might’ serve as hostages to the king and 
answer for the fidelity of their countrymen. 
Count d'Aguilar retired, leaving everywhere 
sanguinary marks of his victory, but with- 
out having discovered a trace of the cap- 
tives. 

In obedience to the king’s orders, the 
Spanish leader abandoned the Alpuxarras, 
now devastated by fire and sword, and re- 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 253 

descended to the plains. Feri de Benaste- 
par, at the head of a scattered band of gue- 
rillas, incessantly harassed the royal troops 
and avoided being himself surprised ; he 
penetrated the deepest and closest of the 
mountain ridges, and in two days reached 
the foot of a chain, called now the chain of 
Loja ; the aridity of these peaks gives them 
an indescribable aspect of desolation. After 
a day’s ascent, Feri arrived at a walled town 
of Moorish architecture. The small city of 
Alhama is the most elevated in Europe 
above the level of the sea ; during six 
months of the year it is embedded in snow, 
the other six it is burned by the sun. 

The crescent glittered over the towers of 
Alhama, and the doors opened at the com- 
mand of Feri and his band. The old Moor 
had taken possession of this place on his 
return from Africa, and had defended it 
against the attacks of Count dAguilar. 
There mourned the three captive girls ; and 
the Spanish chiefs were confident that 
Alhama was their prison. Feri had closely 
imprisoned Boabdilla and Inez in one of the 
strongest towers of the city, and destined 


254 the moor of GRANADA. 

them to gratify his vengeance. Amara en- 
joyed some liberty, though Feri had warned 
her that the least attempt on her part to 
escape would cost the lives of Boabdilla and 
Inez. Mohamrned-Hassan had permission 
to accompany Amara ; but a soldier always 
attended them. The Moorish chief pro- 
ceeded to his residence immediately on his 
arrival, where he sought his daughter and 
Hassan, with glaring eyes and frowning brow. 

“ Amara,” he said in a stern voice, with- 
out replying to his daughter’s salutation, 
“ do you persist in your disobedience?” 

“ I accomplish the will of God and follow 
the dictates of my own conscience,” whis- 
pered the young girl, prostrated by the ex- 
citement of the preceding day. 

“You shall abandon the cursed religion 
which they have perfidiously made you em- 
brace.” 

“I again affirm, my father, that I have 
acted with full liberty. The divine truths 
have so enlightened my soul that I could 
but confess the divinity of Christianity.” 

“You refuse to satisfy me?” exclaimed 
Feri in a wrathful tone. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 255 

“ I would like to please you, but my con- 
science forbids it.” 

“ I give you a month to reflect.” 

“It is unnecessary.” 

At the end of this time,” pursued the old 
Moor, without heeding Amara’s reply, “ I 
will return, and if you continue to reject the 
worship of your fathers, the religion of Mo- 
hammed, you shall feel the power of my 
anger.” 

“ What will you do ? ” 

“Your companions who aided in seducing 
you — ” 

“ They had nothing to do with my change 
of religion.” 

“ Their parents were the cause of it. 
Hear me : they shall perish and you shall 
go to Africa.” 

“ Christ teaches that it is a happiness to 
die for the faith.” 

“ Your life shall be preserved, your 
friends shall die.” 

“ Thanks for them,” said Amara. 

“ It is in your power to save them.” 

“ What can I do ? ” 

“ Abjure the doctrines of Christ.” 


256 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

“ They would despise me were I so un- 
fortunate as to purchase their lives by my 
apostasy.” 

“ Remember my words ; in one month I 
will hear your decision.” 

He proceeded immediately afterwards to 
the tower where Boabdilla and Inez were de- 
tained ; these noble Christian ladies were not 
alarmed at the sight of the trembling lips, 
bent brows and angry eyes of their cruel 
enemy. Misfortune, added to the conscious- 
ness of the great cause for which they suf- 
fered, gave them an extraordinary self- 
possession, the firmness and endurance of 
their race was reflected in their countenances, 
and they were ready to meet death un- 
appalled. 

“ Are you still determined not to sub- 
mit ? ” demanded the Moor. 

“ Ask anything reasonable, Sidi,” replied 
Boabdilla, “ and we will make you every 
possible concession.” 

“ Recollect that I am absolute master of 
your persons.” 

“ You deceive yourself.” 

Are you no longer in my power ? ” 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 2$/ 

“ Assuredly, our bodies are in your hands, 
and you are free to dispose of them accord- 
ing to your will.” 

“ What does this language mean ? ” 

“ That our souls are not affected by all 
that your hatred can inflict.” 

“ I know how to compel you to accede to 
my will.” 

“ You will find yourself powerless.” 

“Tremble, because my heart will be in- 
accessible to pity.” 

“ If you are so cowardly as to assault 
women, our Lord will give us strength to 
suffer all that you may order, rather than 
permit us to offend Him.” 

“ I give you one month to reflect ; at the 
expiration of that time, if you refuse to 
profess Islamism, you shall perish.” 

“ If you execute your threats, you will 
procure for us the signal honor of mar- 
tyrdom and the incorruptible crown of 
heaven.” 

“Adieu, then. I swear by the name of 
Allah if you are not Mohammedans at the 
period that I have fixed, I will deliver you 
to the most horrible torments.” 


17 


258 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

Feri de Benastepar left the young girls 
with frightful menaces, and the next morn- 
ing he returned to the mountains to reani- 
mate the zeal of his partisans and to prepare 
another revolt. 

He left a large garrison in Alhama, or- 
dered the guard of the prisoners to be 
redoubled, and -forbade his daughter to be 
allowed to leave the enclosure. 

The unfortunate girl had, until this mo- 
ment, enjoyed some distraction by a prom- 
enade which she took every day on the 
mountains towards the road of Veler-Mal- 
aga. This route commences at the Puerta- 
Zaflaraga; which is, in reality, a gate or 
doorway hewn by nature in the midst of 
high rocks. There, Amara loved to sit and 
think of her absent friends. 

Nothing is more beautiful than the spec- 
tacle presented from this spot at the termi- 
nation of the gorge of the mountains. The 
ravished eye looks down on the southern 
slope of the Betigue range, upon the coasts 
of the kingdom of Granada, upon the Medi- 
terranean and upon the African shores. 

As Amara’s only pleasure in her half 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


259 


captivity had been forbidden her she con- 
fined heiself to her apartment, A frightful 
future was ever present to her mind : exile, 
a life of trials and of tribulations, then’ 
death in a strange land ; these were her an- 
ticipations. 

Amara was one day allowed to visit her 
friends in their prison. 

Is Hassan at liberty? ” Inez inquired. 

He is not imprisoned but he is carefully 
watched.’' 

“ Why do you not suggest to him to es- 
cape from his guards ? ” 

“ For what purpose?” 

He would inform my father that we are 
captives at Alhama.” 

Do you think that he is ignorant of 
it?” 

** Most certainly.” 

Hassan would also see my father,” added 
Boabdilla. From the moment that Zegri 
and Count d’Aguilar are informed of our 
fate, everything man can do, will be done to 
deliver us.” 

“ I will speak to the physician of Badajoz 
this evening,” Amara replied.” 


26 o 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


Three days afterwards Hassan succeeded 
n leaving Alhama. 

The governor of Alhama was as ferocious 
as his master, and when he heard of the 
escape of the old man he increased the bad 
treatment of Boabdilla and Inez, and com- 
manded a stricter watchfulness over the 
movements of Amara ; and the guards 
whom Hassan deceived were impaled on the 
ramparts. 


xvn. 


THE RED MOUNTAIN. 

Mohammed-ELassan safely traversed the 
guarded mountain passes. He first sought 
Count d’Aguilar and found him at Alcala- 
Real and gave him information and the 
necessary instructions in regard to the 
Alhama prisoners ; then he repaired to 
Granada to fulfil the same mission to the 
unfortunate Zegri ; of all his children, Hamar 
alone was left. 

Count d’Aguilar, justly alarmed about 
the fate of his daughter, immediately 
assembled all the troops that he could col- 
lect and took the route to Alhama ; although 
a thousand obstacles beset his path, the 
count thought nothing of the difficulties, 
considered only the end to be attained and 
hastened his march, fearing to be too late. 

261 


262 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


When he reached the mountains the 
revolt had already commenced. It was less 
redoubtable then the first ; it did not alarm 
Ferdinand, who expedited reinforcements to 
Count d’Aguilar. Alfonso d Aguilar pushed 
on in the direction of Alhama ; he learned 
on the way that the rebels were augment- 
ing their forces daily, and that they had 
taken possession of several cities, Margena, 
Adra and Castil de Fero. 

The zeal and ardor of the Spanish chief- 
tains was stimulated, if possible, and his 
anger increased by the sad details of the 
horrors committed at the places taken. He 
accelerated his march, beating the Moors 
wherever they met, putting them to the 
sword and abandoning the prisoners to 
death, sacking cities, burning villages, 
ravaging fields, leaving terrible examples 
everywhere. 

The ire of Alfonso d’Aguilar and his 
soldiers was unbounded ; it was in reality a 
storm of carnage, fire and ruin. War was 
never more cruel, more pitiless. 

The Moors thought not of resistance, but 
recoiled with terror before this impetuous 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 263 

torrent. They furiously defended the road 
to Alhama. Their remaining bands, col- 
lected from all parts, rallied on a high moun- 
tain covering the immediate approach to the 
city, and which was called the Red Moun- 
tain, probably because of the color of the 
arid soil and the calcined rocks. 

Upon this summit, the most craggy of 
the Alpuxarras, Feri de Benastepar had 
assembled the wreck of his army, and the 
women and the children they had been able 
save from the sack of Monarda, the last of 
the cities reduced by Count d’Aguilar. 

The Moors occupied a formidable 
position, skilfully intrenched behind the 
crests and protected by protruding rocks. 
Here they decided to fight their last battle, 
to play their last stake, and Feri had great 
hopes of success. 

Alfonso d’Aguilar pursued the Mussul- 
mans with such ardor that he arrived at the 
foot of the mountain as they reached the 
summit. It was three o’clock in the morn- 
ing; the count hardly allowed his troops 
the necessary repose before he gave the 
signal for attack. The Spanish army scarcely 


264 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

equalled the Moors, but the Christian soldiers 
were incomparably superior. Many of them 
were Gonsalvo’s veterans, or old warriors, 
who had made all the campaigns of Granada 
with the great captain. 

At the command of their leader the 
soldiers, in admirable spirits and with great 
ardor commenced to scale the abrupt 
declivities of the Red Mountain. 

The infidels rolled stones and pieces of 
rock on them. The Spaniards let the 
avalanche pass, which crushed many of 
them, and then proceeded valiantly on their 
course, exciting each other mutually by 
word and gesture. One hour was consumed 
in this perilous ascent before the Christian 
soldiers reached the Moorish position ; 
many heroic incidents had occurred, and 
Count d’Aguilar had always chosen for 
himself the post of danger and he was con- 
stantly at the head of his little army. 

The Moors were astonished at the success 
of this frightful escalade and they retired 
precipitately behind the rocks, their last 
barricades, from whence they engaged in a 
furious conflict. Then the real struggle 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 265 

began, bloody and terrible, between armies 
equally determined to conquer or die. 

The Spaniards attacked the infidels with 
vigor and desperation ; the voice of Feri 
was heard above the battle din, encouraging 
the Moors. The first regular assault was 
succeeded by a long contest ; a thousand 
combatants disputed here a rock, there an 
inch of ground. 

In spots where two men had hardly foot- 
hold, several would rush, combating hand to 
hand ; all at last, dashed to the foot of the 
mountain, where they might be seen, 
crushed and mangled but not separated. 

On every side were heard blows and cries 
of fury and hatred, invocations and blas- 
phemies. Swords crossed, the cross and the 
crescent interlaced ; the intoxication of 
carnage possessed the combatants ; a cloud 
of dust, charged with acrid vapors of blood, 
floated above the field of battle and 
enveloped it with a sombre, gloomy veil — a 
frightful spectacle ! The solitude of the 
neighboring mountains resounded with tu- 
multuous echoes ; as the sun disappeared 
below the horizon the immense disk seemed 


266 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


to be tinged red with the blood that watered 
the earth. 

The two chiefs, Aguilar and Feri, sud- 
denly met face to face, their eyes glaring, 
and their swords from the point to the hilt 
running with blood. 

The two foes measured each other with 
a look, then rushed to the strife like two 
lions, roaring with fury. 

Count d’Aguilar was too impetuous to 
calculate the effect of his blows, but Feri de 
Benastepar was calmer and studied the 
the results of his efforts. 

The combat lasted about a quarter of an 
hour, with equal chances on both sides. 
The Spaniards suddenly uttered a cry of 
anguish and the Moors applauded with 
transports : Alfonso d’Aguilar, the brother 
of the great captain, and the most valiant 
man of the peninsula, next to Gonsalvo de 
Cordova, had fallen mortally wounded in 
the throat. The issue of the battle was no 
longer doubtful; the Mussulmans had 
repulsed the Christians. The force of the 
Christians had already been weakened, but 
now that their noble leader was expiring on 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 267 

the ground, they sadly contested the ground 
foot by foot, defending themselves bravely. 

The Moors, conducted by Feri, fought 
with renewed zeal, shouting joyfully, and 
they were already intoning triumphant 
chants, but their joy was short lived. The 
warlike notes of trumpets were suddenly 
sounded in their ears like thunder, and 
fresh troops poured from a thin woods, 
which had been the base of the operations 
of the infidels, charged and overthrew them 
with lightning speed. 

Zegri had arrived in time to take part 
in the struggle which was to decide his 
daughter’s safety. 

The king placed Zegri, who had heard 
from Hassan of the imprisonment of the 
young girls, at the head of a band hastily 
recruited in Andalusia and Murcia, and he 
hastened to throw his sword in the balance. 

Zegri arrived at the foot of Red Moun- 
tain a little after the beginning of the 
action. He discovered an unguarded path- 
way, climbed the mountain in silence and 
presented himself in time to save the rem- 
nant of the Spanish army. 


268 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 


The destruction of the Moors was com- 
plete, nearly all perished. Feri de Benaste- 
par, thanks to the swiftness of his horse, 
escaped. Zegri next turned his attention to 
Count d’ Aguilar, having been apprised of 
his fall ; he found the noble chief extended, 
without consciousness, at the foot of a rock. 
Hassan, who had followed Zegri, dressed 
the wounds of the heroic warrior, who re- 
covered his senses and recognized his friends. 

A smile flitted across d’Aguilar’s discol- 
ored lips as he learned that Zegri was victo- 
rious ; he pressed the hand of the prince 
and murmured in a faint tone : 

“To Alhama — save them ! ” 

He closed his eyes, but opening them 
again he perceived Hamar ; he signed him to 
approach, confessed to him ; then calling 
Zegri, he said : 

“ Friend, you will console my wife and 
children ; I confide all who are dear to me 
on earth to your care.” 

The Moorish prince promised with emo- 
tion to watch over them ; and Count 
Alfonso d’Aguilar rendered his soul in peace 
to God. 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 269 

Zegri took command of the army. He 
guarded the body of Count d’Aguilar, in 
order to carry it to the family of the glori- 
ous Spaniard. Not far from the spot was 
seen the body of Zulphi ; the cowardly 
dervish had received his death wound in the 
back. 

Without losing a moment, the Moorish 
prince dashed on to Alhama. When 
about half a league from the city, Zegri 
commanded a halt. At night, he took two 
hundred men and left silently ; but he had 
with him a powerful auxiliary, Costirabal, 
the skilful agent of Count de Tendilla. 
Zegri proposed to take the place by sur- 
prise, fearing that if he attacked it with a 
strong force, the savage governor would 
massacre the prisoners. 

Costirabal, guided by indications received 
from Hassan, discovered means to intro- 
duce into Alhama Zegri’s two hundred 
men, who took possession of the walls ; at 
the same time the army advanced. The 
garrison were made prisoners, the governor 
was thrown from a tower, and the three 
young girls were happily delivered. 


270 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

Peace was soon completely re-established 
in the mountains. Some of the Moors 
begged permission to retire to Africa with 
the wreck of their fortune ; they obtained 
this grace, and were furnished with vessels 
to convey them, each individual being 
allowed ten ducats for the necessary ex- 
penses. The greater number of the remainder 
became Christians, and those who were in- 
clined to revolt under Philip III. were ex- 
iled for life from Spain. 

The health of the daughter of Feri was 
restored. When the country was again 
tranquil, Zegri and Hassan conducted 
Amara to the domains of the Moorish 
prince in the Alpuxarras. Boabdilla, Inez, 
and all the family of Count d’Aguilar ac- 
companied Amara. 

Hamar returned to the monastery of his 
order, where he had consecrated himself to 
God and there led the holy life of a relig- 
ious. 

The court was in Barcelona towards the 
end of the year in which these events oc- 
curred. One day, as Ferdinand left his 
palace accompanied by a crowd of courtiers 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 2^1 

and magistrates, a man rushed from behind 
a door through which the king passed and 
suddenly struck the monarch with a sword 
between the neck and the shoulders ; the 
blow was weakened by the golden chain 
which he habitually wore, or he would have 
been instantly killed. 

Ferdinand was, however, badly wounded, 
and it was some time before he recovered. 

It was supposed that this attempt on the 
king’s life was the result of a conspiracy ; 
the assassin was arrested and every effort was 
made to discover his accomplices. But the 
man’s only reply was as follows : 

“ The crown of Spain belongs to me : 
Ferdinand has usurped it, and unjustly re- 
tains it. If I were able to make war on 
him I would do it, but as he has seduced all 
my subjects I have been constrained to act 
alone. I have taken counsel of no one and 
it is not necessary, since my rights to the 
throne are evident, and there is nothing 
more natural than to seek to recover pos- 
session of a kingdom of which one has been 
despoiled contrary to all justice.” 

Cannamar^s was recognized by this 


2/2 THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 

speech. Ferdinand wished to release him 
without punishment ; but his counsellors 
differed from him. The negro Soli man had 
the hard duty assigned him of being his 
friend’s executioner. 

After the breach of his promise to Xim- 
en^s he had been reduced to solicit the 
office of hangman in order to preserve him- 
self from starvation. 

As to Feri de Benastepar, he was never 
seen again in Spain. His daughter always 
lived with Zegri’s family, and heard nothing 
of her father. She, with Boabdilla, closed 
the eyes of the Moorish prince ; after his 
death the two noble friends sought refuge 
in the cloister and found that peace the 
world could not give, and there terminated 
their troubled lives by a happy death. 

With their death ended two illustrious 
Moorish houses. Assuredly, their prayers, 
their pure and holy lives contributed power- 
fully to preserve in the bosom of the Church 
the recently converted Moors. These, see- 
ing the honored daughters of their greatest 
chiefs give such examples of attachment to 
the religion of Christ were strengthened in 


THE MOOR OF GRANADA. 273 

the love of that law which renders its fol- 
lowers so gentle and fraternal, presenting in 
every point so striking a contrast to the 
teachings of Islamism. 


FINIS. 















✓ 


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